For Charlton, this was the glamour tie they craved. The fact it was Rosenior’s first match was the last thing on their minds.
Addicks boss Nathan Jones, who coached Rosenior at Brighton, had hoped for a tie of this calibre, and it delivered – complete with a firework display for supporters to underline that this was no ordinary match.
It was extra special given Charlton had not hosted ‘big six’ opposition since they were last in the Premier League in 2007. There was plenty of effort from their players, but ultimately the gulf in quality told.
Off the field, the difference between the club’s financial power is stark – Charlton’s record signing remains Jason Euell for a reported £4.75m in 2001, while Chelsea’s squad is worth more than £1bn and includes £115m former British transfer record signing Moises Caicedo.
Yet, in the first half at least, it did not look like there were 31 places between the two teams.
Chelsea dominated with 77.8% possession and had five shots on target, but frustrated their own supporters – who also protested against the hierarchy throughout the match – chanting “attack, attack, attack”.
That away support continued to chant against the current ownership – and for former owner Roman Abramovich – throughout the match.
It highlights the febrile atmosphere the new manager has walked into and the tricky line he must tread to win over both fans and his employers.
Ultimately, Rosenior had them cheering. A goal just before half-time eased his young squad’s nerves; they then added a second, responded to a setback, and added gloss to the scoreline as big-name players Neto, Estevao and Fernandez came off the bench.
In terms of handling an emotional FA Cup tie, this was a good blueprint for any big club and lays down a marker for what might be possible under a bright, young – if inexperienced – manager.
Of course, his approach – not yet so different from predecessor Enzo Maresca – works against opposition with such vastly inferior resources, and he will face tougher tests. League leaders Arsenal on Wednesday in a semi-final is not a bad place to start tackling the really big challenges.
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