Chelsea staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over West Ham in the Premier League, inspired by manager Liam Rosenior’s halftime substitutions that turned a two-goal deficit into a win, moving the team into the top four.
Since replacing Enzo Maresca in early January, Rosenior has led Chelsea to three consecutive league wins, with this match against West Ham marking his biggest test yet. Chelsea started poorly, making seven changes from a midweek Champions League win and producing a limp first-half display that saw them booed off at halftime after goals from Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville gave West Ham a 2-0 lead.
Rosenior responded with three halftime substitutions, replacing the struggling left side of Alejandro Garnacho, Jorrel Hato, and Benoit Badiashile with Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro, and others. The changes immediately energized Chelsea, with substitutes Cucurella and Joao Pedro each scoring to level the match, showcasing the impact of Rosenior’s in-game adjustments.
In stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback with his 11th goal of the season, securing a 3-2 win and marking Chelsea’s first Premier League comeback from two goals down. After the match, Rosenior downplayed his role, instead praising the team’s mentality, saying, “My biggest learning is there’s a spirit and a fight and a resilience in this group that I really, really like.”
Rosenior’s early reign has been characterized by grinding out results and decisive substitutions, contrasting with his predecessor Maresca, who faced criticism for dropping points from winning positions. Early changes have become a trademark for Rosenior, as seen in previous wins against Brentford and in European competitions, though challenges remain with squad depth when rotating players.
Pundits like former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin called the substitutions “tactical genius,” while ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp noted they were “the easiest set of substitutions you’ll ever have to make.” However, concerns echo from Maresca’s tenure about the quality of backup players, with former goalkeeper Rob Green pointing out that Rosenior faces similar issues with squad imbalance.
The victory extends Rosenior’s record to six wins in his first seven matches across all competitions, making him the fourth English manager to win his first three Premier League games. Chelsea now sit fourth in the league while competing on four fronts domestically and in Europe.
Looking ahead, Chelsea face a crucial League Cup semi-final second leg at Arsenal on Tuesday, needing another comeback after losing the first leg 3-2. Rosenior’s ability to manage in-game situations and squad rotation will be key as the team navigates a busy schedule, with this win bolstering both their league position and his reputation as an effective tactician.
