Chelsea 5–1 Charlton Athletic: Chelsea Cruise Into FA Cup Fourth Round Under Rosenior

Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a ruthless 5–1 victory away at Charlton Athletic, marking a winning start for Liam Rosenior in his first match in charge. The scoreline suggests a comfortable afternoon, but the performance was built on patience, control and a devastating second-half surge.

From the opening minutes, it was one-way traffic. Chelsea pinned Charlton back for long spells, circulating the ball around the Addicks’ penalty area and stacking up corners and half-chances. The dominance was reflected statistically, with Chelsea enjoying 78% possession in the first half, but the finishing touch initially proved elusive.

The breakthrough finally arrived at the perfect moment, deep into first-half stoppage time. A deep cross from Alejandro Garnacho was nodded down by Marc Guiu, and Jorrel Hato unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner for his first Chelsea goal, sparking celebrations in the away end and sending the visitors into the break with a deserved lead.

If the first half was about control without reward, the second half was about turning control into damage. Just five minutes after the restart, Tosin doubled Chelsea’s advantage, rising highest to head home a Facundo Buonanotte delivery and leave Charlton with a mountain to climb.

To their credit, the hosts responded quickly. A set piece caused problems in the Chelsea box, Filip Jorgensen saved the initial effort, but Miles Leaburn reacted fastest to turn in the rebound and reduce the deficit to 2–1, briefly injecting belief into the tie.

Chelsea’s response was immediate and decisive. Within five minutes, more good work down the left ended with Buonanotte seeing his effort saved, before Guiu pounced on the rebound to restore the two-goal cushion at 3–1. That goal effectively killed Charlton’s momentum, and from there Chelsea were able to manage the game with authority.

The closing stages became a showcase of Chelsea’s depth and quality off the bench. Estêvão entered the fray and immediately looked fearless, driving at defenders, forcing Charlton deeper and creating danger with every touch.

Pedro Neto also made his impact count, cutting inside and drilling a low finish in off the near post in stoppage time to make it four.

There was still time for one more. Chelsea were awarded a late penalty following another dangerous Estêvão involvement, and Enzo Fernández stepped up to convert emphatically, wrapping up a comprehensive 5–1 victory.

It was exactly the kind of cup tie Chelsea needed to handle professionally and they did so with control, composure and cutting edge. While the scoreline may suggest ease, the performance was built on relentless dominance and patience before a clinical burst once the breakthrough arrived.

For Rosenior, it was the ideal start: progression secured, confidence boosted, and plenty of positives to take into the next round.