Rosenior’s Resounding Victory Over Former Club Hull City

omidbasir- HULL, England — In a match that his late grandmother might have hoped for, Liam Rosenior showed no mercy towards his former club, Hull City, on Friday evening.

As Chelsea celebrated their third goal in the 60th minute, Rosenior shared a moment on the touchline with World Cup winner Enzo Fernández, who had been acquired for £106 million, before sending him onto the pitch.

The atmosphere at the MKM Stadium was bitterly cold, and the hope for Hull City had long evaporated, with around 20 of Rosenior’s family and friends attempting to secure tickets for this FA Cup fourth-round match, marking his return to a club where he spent seven seasons—five as a player and two as a coach.

Rosenior reminisced about his grandmother, a former Hull season-ticket holder who has sadly passed away. On Monday, the new Chelsea manager wistfully remarked that “she did the draw” that paired his current club with his past.

Home fans endured a disheartening display as Chelsea triumphed 4-0. However, once the initial pain subsides, they may take pride in Rosenior’s current position in football.

Having secured his first permanent managerial role at Hull in 2022, the locals remember the innovative approach he brought to their football. This trend has continued, as evidenced by his bold decision to make eight changes in the Chelsea lineup against a team currently ranked fourth in the Championship, despite Chelsea’s recent failure to maintain a lead against Leeds United just three days prior.

Rosenior has now achieved eight victories in his 11 matches in charge, a record that may help mitigate doubts among some Chelsea supporters regarding his suitability for the role.

Arriving from Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg, Rosenior faces criticism from detractors who view him as merely a figurehead for the BlueCo ownership group. Nevertheless, he remains undeterred in his resolve to prove his mettle as a manager.

Although a loss could have cast a long shadow, Chelsea was never truly in danger of an uncomfortable night, despite the challenges posed by inclement weather and missed opportunities in the first half. Alejandro Garnacho failed to convert a one-on-one chance in the ninth minute, while Estêvão squandered an open goal soon after. Liam Delap also missed a chance, striking the crossbar and failing to capitalize on the rebound.

Pedro Neto finally broke the deadlock with a low drive from 20 yards just five minutes before halftime. Neto’s corner in the 51st minute found its way through a crowded area to find the back of the net. Delap displayed impressive strength to create space and assisted Estêvão for a straightforward finish.

Neto completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute, following more great work from Delap. Although Lewis Koumas hit the post for Hull in stoppage time, Rosenior had the opportunity to introduce teenager Jesse Derry for his debut.

“What I’m realizing quickly is that these players are not only good athletes, they are outstanding professionals,” Rosenior stated. “I felt it was a professional performance against a very good team pushing for the Premier League. Some of our football exemplified what I want to see, but more importantly, the values the team displayed made me a very happy coach.”

Rosenior expressed his enduring affection for Hull City, regardless of how he was received during the match. “The fans here are top. I’ve had so many good moments, and I truly appreciate and thank them for the warm reception I received.”

His adaptability as a manager has been a significant aspect of his early tenure, and it proved beneficial for Neto, especially given the competitive nature of the Chelsea winger position. With the club consistently signing new wide players, Neto’s future on the right flank is uncertain. His versatility has become an invaluable asset, having started seven of Rosenior’s 11 matches in various roles, including playing three distinct positions in a single match against Arsenal last month.

Against Hull, Neto filled the No. 10 role due to Cole Palmer’s absence, scoring his first senior hat-trick in what can be seen as a response to recent online criticism. “I’m not aware of any negativity directed at him, and I cannot understand why that would be the case,” Rosenior remarked. “For me, he is a world-class player and a vital asset for our team’s ambitions this season.”

As the match concluded, Rosenior shared a light-hearted moment with Hull’s manager Sergej Jakirovic over a drink before heading to meet Hull’s owner, Acun Illicali. In the final moments, the home fans requested a wave from Rosenior, and he obliged, marking the only interaction he had with them all night as Chelsea pressed forward.