Rosenior's Carabao Cup gamble failed as Chelsea exit to Arsenal

Chelsea were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after Kai Havertz's 97th-minute winner at the Emirates left the Blues beaten 4-2 on aggregate. Head coach Liam Rosenior set his side up in a pragmatic back-five to contain Arsenal and try to take a chance on the break; the plan ultimately did not yield the desired result, though the team were applauded by travelling supporters.

Rosenior introduced Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian around the hour mark to open the game, but Chelsea could not convert pressure into a decisive chance despite registering 14 shots and an expected-goals figure of 0.68. The tactical approach kept the tie alive for much of the match before the late goal against a side that has been very difficult to beat at the Emirates.

Paul Merson was outspoken in his criticism of the display, calling the performance timid, while Rosenior defended his decisions, saying tactics are easy in hindsight and highlighting psychological and practical factors. He pointed to positive aspects of the second half even as he accepted the result.

rosenior, carabao cup, chelsea exit, kai havertz, 97th-minute winner, emirates, 4-2 on aggregate, pragmatic back-five, contain arsenal, chance on the break, travelling supporters, cole palmer, estevao willian, 14 shots