Goals
- Jorrel Hato – 45+4’ – Chelsea
- Tosin Adarabioyo – 50’ – Chelsea
- Miles Leaburn – 57’ – Charlton Athletic
- Marc Guiu – 60’ – Chelsea
- Pedro Neto – 90’ – Chelsea
- Enzo Fernández (pen) – 90+3’ – Chelsea
Chelsea’s new era opens with authority at the Valley
Chelsea launched Liam Rosenior’s reign with a commanding 5–1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup, a performance combining control, depth and clinical finishing. While the scoreline was harsh on the hosts, the visitors’ quality became increasingly evident as the match wore on.
Rosenior relied on a rotated side, resting several established starters ahead of upcoming fixtures, yet this selection delivered with assurance. Moisés Caicedo was named man of the match, setting the tempo in midfield and helping Chelsea manage the game throughout.
Hato strikes in first-half stoppage time
Chelsea dominated possession before the break, though Charlton defended diligently and restricted clear openings. In extended added time at the end of the half, the breakthrough finally arrived. A loose ball fell invitingly to Jorrel Hato, who struck a firm half-volley high into the net in 45+4 minutes. The finish was emphatic and provided Chelsea with a deserved interval lead.
Adarabioyo doubles the advantage after the restart
Early in the second half, the visitors strengthened their position. From a whipped inswinging free-kick, Tosin Adarabioyo found space at the near post and guided a precise header into the corner in the 50th minute. His timing and movement exposed Charlton’s set-piece marking and gave Chelsea breathing room.
Leaburn responds, but Chelsea accelerate again
Charlton briefly revived hopes of a contest when Miles Leaburn reacted quickest to a rebound in the 57th minute, converting after an initial save had been made. The goal energised the home crowd, but Chelsea’s response was swift.
Just three minutes later, a driving attack ended with a saved effort falling kindly for Marc Guiu, who converted from close range in the 60th minute. The young striker, starting from the first whistle, showed sharp instincts inside the box and restored a two-goal cushion.
Neto and Fernández add late gloss from the bench
As Charlton tired, Chelsea’s substitutes increased the damage. On the counter, Pedro Neto cut inside and finished decisively in the 90th minute. Soon afterwards Estêvão was brought down in the area, and Enzo Fernández coolly converted the resulting penalty in 90+3 minutes to complete the scoring.
Crucially, only two goals came from players introduced from the bench: Neto and Fernández. Guiu had started the match and was substituted later, making his strike a starter’s goal rather than one from a substitute.
Tactical control and key contributions
Chelsea controlled possession for long phases, using width and rotation in advanced areas to stretch Charlton’s block. Caicedo’s calm authority underpinned their structure, while Buonanotte, Garnacho and Gittens offered persistent direct running.
Defensive concentration wavered briefly at the set piece that led to Leaburn’s goal, a point Rosenior will seek to refine. However, the response to conceding was immediate and assertive, a positive contrast to recent occasions where leads slipped away.
Statistical snapshot
- Full-time score: Charlton Athletic 1–5 Chelsea
- Chelsea ahead in shots, shots on target, possession and completed passes
- Caicedo named player of the match
- Five different scorers for Chelsea
- Two substitute goals: Neto and Fernández
Final assessment
This was a decisive and encouraging start for Liam Rosenior: five goals, five scorers, and measured control throughout. Charlton competed with spirit but were ultimately overpowered. For Chelsea, the display suggested structure, depth and a clinical edge — a promising foundation for the matches to come.
