Calum McFarlane ends Chelsea crisis with Wembley win

Chelsea’s FA Cup win at Wembley has turned the spotlight onto Calum McFarlane. Now, the result raises serious questions about the recent spell of Liam Rosenior.

Calum McFarlane brings order as Chelsea find their fight again

There was a huge change in intent the moment Chelsea stepped onto the field against Leeds United.. There was a clear difference in approach under Calum McFarlane compared to Liam Rosenior, as per reports. The Blues kept their shape and were disciplined. They were stepping up for duels, something that had been missing during their poor run.

Before this game, Chelsea had lost five straight Premier League games without scoring. That was a run that showed bigger tactical issues. As per EPL data, the club has averaged just 0.8 expected goals per game during that run. That was  one of the lowest in the league during that time.

Against Leeds, the west London side controlled space, limited the opposition to very few clear chances. The defensive line held firm, while the midfield showed good balance. McFarlane kept things easy and that helped the players play with confidence.

Meanwhile, the Whites came into the game in strong form. But, they struggled to break Chelsea down. Their usual attacking rhythm was disrupted early on in the game. It was not flashy football from the west London club, but it was effective.

Also Read: Rosenior out! Chelsea sack boss after Brighton humiliation

Enzo Fernandez on the score sheet

Enzo Fernandez had been sidelined during Rosenior’s time in charge. But, he stepped up and scored the only goal of the match against Leeds. He completed over 90% of his passes and created two key chances, as per FA Cup stats.

Also Read: Man City target Enzo Fernandez transfer move

For Rosenior, it was a tough time for him with Fernandez being suspended. This comes especially given the midfielder’s ability to make impact in big games. Chelsea’s struggles under Rosenior included 12 losses in 23 matches. That is a record that likely led to his exit despite. Although he had a promising start where he won 6 of his first 7 games.

Leeds pushed late in the match, but the Blues were under control. Their backline stayed in shape and the midfield closed the gaps. The team showed effort that had been absent not long ago. It was a performance built on discipline and it got exactly what Chelsea needed.

Also Read: ‘Don’t deserve’: Enzo and Caicedo slammed after blow

Chelsea’s FA Cup dream still alive amidst chaos

With this win, Chelsea are now heading to the FA Cup final against Man City. Now,  the mood around the club feels very different. McFarlane has given fans something to believe in. But, the bigger question is whether this momentum can last. They currently sit outside the European qualification spots, and their goal tally remains poor as well. As per FBref, Chelsea ranks in the bottom half for goals scored this season among top teams.

The upcoming PL fixture against Nottingham Forest will likely test this new setup. Forest are coming off a huge 5-0 win in their last game. They will not make things easy for McFarlane and his side. As for the long-term future, it still feels unlikely that the interim head coach will be handed the job permanently.

If the Blues can get enough wins to secure European football and lift the FA Cup, the talks will be different for sure. For now, the west London club looks like they are getting back on their feet again. And in just one match, McFarlane has done what seemed unlikely and he has made people believe in their team again.

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Abhijeet Nalawade

Abhijeet Nalawade is a Senior Football Writer at Six Sports, providing in-depth coverage and expert analysis of football matches, player performances, and tactical developments. With extensive experience in football journalism, he specializes in delivering detailed insights and feature articles that keep readers informed and engaged.

Through his work at Six Sports, Abhijeet produces comprehensive football content, including match breakdowns, tactical evaluations, and analytical features. His writing combines clarity with expertise, making him a trusted voice for football enthusiasts seeking high-quality coverage of the sport.