Chelsea Players Will Question Liam Rosenior as ‘Horrible’ Footage Shared After Loss vs Arsenal

By Football Insider Staff | Published February 4, 2026

Chelsea's Carabao Cup semifinal dreams shattered in heartbreaking fashion after a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a 4-2 aggregate loss and sparking fury among players toward interim manager Liam Rosenior. A viral clip of "horrible" footage from the match has ignited questions over his tactical decisions, with insiders revealing dressing room unrest.[1][2]

The second leg was a tense, low-scoring affair following Chelsea's first-leg home defeat. Rosenior, riding a five-game winning streak beforehand, opted for a ultra-defensive five-at-the-back formation to protect the slim deficit. It frustrated Arsenal for 90 minutes, limiting them to just one first-half shot on target from Piero Hincapié, smartly saved by Robert Sánchez.[2]

However, disaster struck in the 90+7th minute. Kai Havertz—once a Chelsea striker—capitalized on a lightning Arsenal counter, rounding Sánchez after a Declan Rice assist to score the decisive goal. Chelsea had pushed forward late, introducing Cole Palmer and Estêvão around the hour mark, with Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernández firing blanks from distance.[1][3]

Post-match, "horrible footage" emerged online, purportedly showing Rosenior's visible frustration and a sideline meltdown as Havertz wheeled away celebrating. Sources claim players are questioning his ultra-cautious approach, arguing it left them toothless in attack despite needing a goal to force extra time. "The lads are gutted—they feel we sat too deep too long," one insider told Football Insider. Rosenior's previous Derby County success hasn't quelled doubts, especially after this high-stakes collapse.[6]

Rosenior defended his tactics publicly, praising the team's "fight and spirit," but Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp and Jamie Carragher slammed Chelsea's lackluster display, with Redknapp highlighting set-piece vulnerabilities.[3][6] Arsenal march to Wembley—their first major final in six years—while Chelsea lick wounds and ponder Rosenior's future amid mounting pressure.[1][2]

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