Liam Rosenior revealed he took Reece James off in the second half against Burnley because he was worried about fatigue.
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The Blues dropped two costly points as they conceded a stoppage time equaliser with the game at Stamford Bridge finishing 1-1.
It looked like Chelsea were going to record a convincing win when Joao Pedro opened the scoring in the fourth minute, but the Blues simply didn’t push on from that point.
Liam Rosenior on why he took Reece James off
Rosenior fielded the strongest possible line-up available, which meant James started at right back, but it was an all to familiar scenario which unfolded.
Wesley Fofana got sent off in the second half which made things more difficult, and Rosenior responded by taking Cole Palmer off and replacing him with Tosin Adarabioyo.
With the game heading into the final minutes, Rosenior decided to put Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong on to try and see the game out.
Considering Chelsea were coming under pressure it seemed odd in that situation to take your captain off, but Rosenior revealed after the game he was concerned about fatigue.
“Reece, it was just honestly, he’s so important to us as the captain, as the world-class player that he is,” he told his post-match press conference.
“Any sign of fatigue with him, I want to get him off the pitch.
“I need him for Arsenal. He should be absolutely fine.”
Chelsea’s concerning home record
Following the draw with Burnley, Chelsea have now thrown away 19 points from winning positions this season, which is second to only West Ham (20).
Another concern for Rosenior will be the home record, with the Blues managing just six wins out 14 in the league at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea also have no wins against the newly promoted sides at home this season, and it’s something Rosenior needs to find a solution to quickly.
Next up for Chelsea is back to back away games against Arsenal and Aston Villa, and if the Blues want Champions League football it looks like they will have to do it the hard way.
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The club should keep those player’s who love this club a true Chelsea FC player . Get rid off player’s only play for money that hasn’t win the EPL and UCL. Asking for improve pay that’s fine but if you have win EPL and UCL and even FAcup . They even not win league cup . They only won hush hush hush tournament . I blame the owners and those directors who like bring in skills and talents but not ready to help the club winning the EPL and UCL and FAcup even league cup …. Its been three yrs now no premier league title ….. And the club is in the brink of not qualifying to champion league next season . You all wasted your billions for nothing . You have to get rid off some your SP they’re not delivering the title for the club . Roman built the foundation , a winning team lift the club in the elite group of big clubs and now a new ownership like kids with skills and talents but not helping the club to win the EPL . These is a man game’s … The priority should be winning the EPL, FAcup and even a league Cup then lift the UCL trophy that’s the real business of owning a football club . It’s good to buy young talents but mix it with readymade experience player’s not only for their development but a good winning mentality and physically ready to fight . I don’t understand why bringing Sarr but not playing premier league games? Hato is the deputy of cucu not playing , how can he adapt himself in premier league . Gusto is a wing back not a fullback . Play Acheampong as DCM that develop his defence and plus gives the team a height in central midfield . The central midfield of the team are lack of pace . Santos is brilliant . This team needs maturity . Neto should play in the middle upfront .. next season satpaev and Kellyman should be in the first team not to loan up . Both can play in wing upfront. Quenda and emegha are ready . New GK … If Burnley will relegate buy walker , he can help the team defensively . He can help this team to the EPL title . Buy a CB and sign FA player like senisi . Improve the central midfield, sign a player with decent height like rodri of Man city that’s why Acheampong should be trying to play in the middle as DCM he can dribble the and it will develop his defensive play . His height will the team in central midfield fight . And he has a pace . I hope your next game win it for the sake of improving the table position and qualify for UCL next season .
Good talk, the central midfield needs height and experience, likewise the central defense position.