Liam Rosenior’s priority is not just to be Chelsea's manager, but to be a successful one, he stated before observing his team from the director's box during the match against Fulham.
If he aims to achieve that, he must address the issue of unnecessary red cards, as they received their SEVENTH of the season tonight, with five occurring in the Premier League.
Liam Rosenior was seated with Behdad Eghbali, observing his new teamCredit: ReutersMarc Cucurella received a red card just 21 minutes into the match against FulhamCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
With few opportunities for either team, he was dismissed after 21 minutes for pulling down an opponent outside the box.
They believed they had scored the first goal just before half-time when Harry Wilson placed the ball into the bottom corner, but it was ruled out by VAR for offside in the lead-up.
Unlike in the previous match, this disallowed goal is unlikely to be Fulham’s goal of the month; instead, it will probably be Raul Jimenez’s guided header scored after 54 minutes.
A slight positive for Rosenior will be the first goal scored by Chelsea, which at least earned them a point.
With a little over 10 minutes remaining, Wilson finally achieved the goal he deserved, striking a half-volley into the bottom left corner.
The Blues left Craven Cottage feeling disheartened, having dropped further down the table, with only one win in their last nine matches.
This is how SunSport Chelsea Reporter Lloyd Canfield assessed the players…
ROBERT SANCHEZ – 4
Managed to get a hand on Raul Jimenez’s opening goal for Fulham, but perhaps should have been more alert to the threat posed by Harry Wilson when Chelsea went down to 10 men, choosing to remain on his line instead of coming out.
This was not the best performance from one of Chelsea’s most reliable players this season.
MALO GUSTO – 5
Frequently positioned high on the right side to support the attack.
Looked threatening at times in the first half, but faded in the second.
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3
Has often appeared rusty this season without support from Wesley Fofana, and seemed frustratingly slow in his attempts to assist Cucurella before he was sent off.
Did make a few commendable tackles and blocks in the second half but allowed Raul Jimenez to evade him and head the hosts into the lead after 54 minutes.
Chalobah was easily outmatched in the air by Raul Jimenez for the opening goalCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 4
Making his first start for Chelsea since being replaced due to a poor performance against Leeds, every move he made was booed by the Fulham fans, who he previously played for.
He received a foolish booking for arguing with the referee following Cucurella’s red card and displayed generally poor defensive work.
MARC CUCURELLA – 1
Sent off after 21 minutes for pulling Harry Wilson to the ground, who was contesting with him just outside the penalty area.
This was a careless mistake from the Spaniard, who should know better by now, and it marked Chelsea’s FIFTH red card in the Premier League this season.
He is usually a reliable performer, but he didn’t contribute much during his time on the pitch either.
Cucurella became Chelsea’s FIFTH recipient of a Premier League red card this seasonCredit: AP
MOISES CAICEDO – 6
Faced a tough challenge within the opening minutes of the match but effectively broke up play as usual in Chelsea's midfield.
Not his best performance in a Chelsea shirt, but he still appeared to be a step above most of his teammates.
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Liam Rosenior was seated with Behdad Eghbali, observing his new teamCredit: Reuters
Marc Cucurella received a red card just 21 minutes into the match against FulhamCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Chalobah was easily outmatched in the air by Raul Jimenez for the opening goalCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Cucurella became Chelsea’s FIFTH recipient of a Premier League red card this seasonCredit: AP
