SBOTOP : Rosenior Stays Optimistic Despite Chelsea’s Loss to Arsenal First Leg Not Over Yet

Chelsea faced a bitter setback at Stamford Bridge as they hosted Arsenal in the first leg of the 2025/2026 Carabao Cup semifinals. In a high-intensity, end-to-end clash on Thursday (15/1/2026) early morning WIB, The Blues fell 2-3 in a match filled with tension, drama, and attacking flair.

The result was far from ideal for Chelsea, especially after the team staged a spirited comeback in the second half. Two goals from Alejandro Garnacho temporarily reignited hope among the home fans, but Arsenal held their composure and managed to preserve their lead until the final whistle.

Despite the loss, Chelsea still have reason for optimism. The second leg remains a fresh opportunity to turn the tie around, and the team’s aggressive performance after the interval provides a crucial foundation for what lies ahead.

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior opted to take a long-term perspective on the match. For him, the semifinal is far from over, and there is still a clear path to recovery.

Chelsea Hit Hard but Still Holding On

Arsenal started the game on the front foot, taking the lead early with a Ben White goal in the 8th minute. Chelsea struggled to escape the Gunners’ relentless pressure until Viktor Gyokeres doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the 49th minute. The match appeared to be slipping further from Chelsea’s grasp when Martin Zubimendi added a third for the visitors in the 71st minute.

However, Chelsea demonstrated their fighting spirit. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho made an immediate impact, scoring in the 57th and 83rd minutes, keeping The Blues within touching distance and transforming the encounter into a nail-biting finish.

Rosenior emphasized that the first leg is only part of the journey toward the final. “This is just the first half of a two-leg tie. I’m extremely pleased with the commitment and involvement of the players. They gave everything they had. The game was open, and we showed character,” he said after the match.

Small Details Make the Difference

While praising his team’s fighting spirit, Rosenior did not shy away from highlighting critical mistakes that need addressing. According to him, two of Arsenal’s goals resulted from brief lapses in concentration.

“I’m disappointed we conceded from a set-piece. The third goal is especially frustrating because we were really back in the game and controlling the match at that moment,” Rosenior explained.

Chelsea also struggled to maintain focus during dead-ball situations in the middle of the pitch, which the manager identified as an area that cannot be overlooked at this level. “We lost concentration on the restart from a free kick in midfield. But I cannot fault the players entirely,” he added.

Garnacho Shines as Chelsea Look Forward

Alejandro Garnacho, coming off the bench, emerged as Chelsea’s standout performer. His two goals not only altered the game’s momentum but also highlighted the depth and versatility of the squad.

“I said he would be vital from the bench, and he proved it today. I’m fortunate to have such a strong squad,” Rosenior said, praising Garnacho’s impact.

Rosenior also acknowledged the contributions of other players who impressed despite the unfavorable result. “I need everyone to stay engaged, whether starting or coming off the bench. Garnacho showed his quality. Pedro Neto had an excellent display, and Estevao also stood out significantly,” he noted.

The manager concluded with a focused assessment ahead of the upcoming fixtures. “We have to make sure that even when we perform well individually, we don’t concede as much. That’s a key lesson for the second leg,” Rosenior stated.

Looking Ahead: Premier League and Carabao Cup

With the Carabao Cup tie far from decided, Chelsea are now turning their attention to their Premier League clash against Brentford. The team will be hoping for returning players to regain fitness ahead of the crucial second leg against Arsenal.

The return match promises to be the true test of Chelsea’s resilience and ambition. The performance at Stamford Bridge demonstrated that The Blues have the attacking intent and fighting spirit needed to challenge Arsenal once again. If they can combine defensive discipline with their second-half energy, a comeback is entirely possible.

Chelsea fans will be eagerly anticipating the next leg, knowing that a well-executed strategy and collective determination could rewrite the story and open the door to a Carabao Cup final. The Stamford Bridge atmosphere will undoubtedly play a role, with supporters urging the team to turn adversity into opportunity and take the semifinal to extra drama.

In conclusion, while the 2-3 defeat was disappointing, Chelsea’s performance, particularly in the second half, gives the team and its fans a reason to remain hopeful. With strategic adjustments, key players returning, and a determined mindset, the second leg represents a chance to keep the dream of Carabao Cup glory alive.

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