Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior labelled his side’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton as “unacceptable”, accusing his players of lacking desire, spirit and courage in a damaging blow to their Champions League hopes.
Goals from Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck sealed a dominant win for Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday, extending Chelsea’s miserable run.
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It marks the first time since 1912 that the Blues have lost five consecutive league matches without scoring. Rosenior’s side have now suffered seven defeats in their last eight games in all competitions, with just one win in their previous nine league outings.
Chelsea sit seventh, seven points adrift of the top five, leaving their chances of securing Champions League qualification hanging by a thread.
A furious Rosenior did not hold back in his post-match assessment, even as fans called for his dismissal.
“I have defended the players at times when it was the correct thing, but I can’t defend that performance,” he said. “It doesn’t represent this football club or what I ask from the group.
“I feel numb; I’m so angry. That was not tactical; this was about desire, spirit and courage, and I did not see enough of that.”
With the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds looming, Rosenior admitted urgent changes are required.
“I will look at the team and find players I can trust to do the basics. It’s about accountability, and it has to change quickly,” he added.
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