Chelsea Ease Past Charlton but Fan Anger Overshadows Rosenior’s Winning Debut

Chelsea began the Liam Rosenior era with a comfortable 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic, yet unrest among travelling supporters dominated the night. Despite a controlled and clinical performance from a rotated Chelsea side, chants against the club’s owners continued throughout the match. Rosenior, appointed after Enzo Maresca’s messy departure, named a second-string lineup but still saw his team dominate possession. Goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández sealed progress to the fourth round. Charlton briefly threatened through Miles Leaburn, exposing Chelsea’s lingering defensive issues. The debut cameo of teenage winger Estevão impressed, though it did little to soften supporter hostility toward Clearlake Capital and co-owner Todd Boehly. While Rosenior praised his side’s response and professionalism, dissatisfaction with Chelsea’s ownership and long-term project remained starkly visible.