Three things learned from Chelsea loss as Rosenior faces key issue

Chelsea’s 2-1 derby defeat at Fulham offered an early snapshot of the problems Liam Rosenior must confront quickly after taking charge, with discipline, control and structure again exposed at Craven Cottage.

It was a stark contrast to the resilience shown just days earlier at Manchester City. This time, with Rosenior watching from the stands and Calum McFarlane again in caretaker charge on the touchline, there was no late rescue.

A first-half red card proved decisive, as Chelsea slipped to defeat and surrendered local bragging rights.

Although he officially takes charge this week, Rosenior wasted no time embedding himself in Chelsea’s matchday environment. The new head coach arrived with the squad and watched the game seated alongside co-owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting director Paul Winstanley, frequently engaged in discussion as chances came and went.

He also spoke pre-match with Sky Sports, admitting he “can’t wait” to begin work — and he will have seen plenty that needs urgent attention.

This was the fifth time Fulham boss Marco Silva has faced Chelsea at home with a different opposition manager in the dugout, underlining the instability Rosenior has been tasked with ending.

If there is one issue Rosenior must address immediately, it is discipline.

Chelsea currently sit bottom of the Premier League fair play table, and the pattern was again painfully evident. Marc Cucurella’s first-half dismissal — after bringing down Harry Wilson — changed the game completely.

Within minutes of the red card, Enzo Fernández, Tosin Adarabioyo and Cole Palmer were all booked for remonstrating with the referee — a recurring theme this season.

Young squad or not, this lack of emotional control is costing Chelsea points, and Rosenior has little margin for delay in correcting it.

There was, however, one clear positive to emerge from defeat.

Liam Delap scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea and gave Fulham’s back three a relentless evening. Delap battled, pressed, occupied defenders and showed a physical profile Chelsea have often lacked.

He spent time on the floor appealing for fouls and didn’t always get decisions, but his movement, aggression and presence stood out — particularly compared to João Pedro, who was introduced late.

McFarlane’s decision to start Delap was justified, and Rosenior will have taken note of the alternative dimension the striker brings.

Chelsea briefly stayed competitive despite being reduced to 10 men, but Fulham’s control eventually told. Goals from Raúl Jiménez and Wilson either side of Delap’s strike sealed the result and ended McFarlane’s caretaker run.

Rosenior now steps into the dugout with a clear to-do list. Tightening discipline, reducing emotional errors and building around emerging positives like Delap will be central as Chelsea attempt to stabilise during a critical run of fixtures.

Can Liam Rosenior fix Chelsea’s discipline issues quickly — or will this problem continue to derail progress?