On January 10, 2026, Liam Rosenior's Chelsea side faced off against Charlton Athletic in an FA Cup fourth-round encounter. The game ended in a 5-1 victory for Chelsea, with a stellar performance from their second string players. Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Marc Guiu scored the first three goals, showcasing their potential despite limited playing time under Enzo Maresca's leadership. Miles Leaburn's strike briefly brought hope for Charlton, but Chelsea's dominance was evident.
The match also highlighted the complex dynamics between the team and its supporters. While fans sang for the late Roman Abramovich, they also voiced their dissatisfaction with co-owner Behdad Eghbali. This sentiment will be crucial for Rosenior's success, as he aims to bridge the gap between the fans and the ownership. The game began with a nervous start for the visitors, with Benoît Badiashile receiving a yellow card for a foul on Leaburn. Charlton's goalkeeper, Will Mannion, made some impressive saves in the opening 15 minutes, including one from Jamie Gittens.
However, Chelsea's dominance in possession (80% after 45 minutes) and their ability to create half-chances eventually paid off. Jorrel Hato's stunning volley in added time broke the deadlock, showcasing his hidden talent. Charlton's resistance was short-lived as Tosin Adarabioyo headed in a free kick, and Miles Leaburn restored Chelsea's lead. Marc Guiu's spot-kick sealed the victory, despite some late saves from Mannion.
The game served as a testament to Rosenior's ability to manage a diverse squad and adapt to different challenges. While the team's weakness against adversity remains a concern, their performance against Charlton was a positive step forward.
