Rosenior confident Chelsea can “perform in big games” ahead of Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Liam Rosenior is confident in his side’s ability as Chelsea look to overturn a 3–2 deficit in the Carabao Cup semi-final when they travel to league leaders Arsenal.

The Blues come into the second leg on the back of a dramatic Premier League win on Saturday night, having come from two goals down at home to West Ham.

An Enzo Fernández strike in the dying moments secured all three points and kept Chelsea firmly in the hunt for third place behind Aston Villa.

That comeback victory is expected to provide a timely boost ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to the Emirates, with Rosenior adamant his players can once again handle the pressure of a high-stakes occasion.

“I look at Enzo Fernández, who has won a World Cup, as well as the group winning two trophies last year,” Rosenior said. “They can play in the big games.”

Chelsea’s season appeared at risk of stalling following the dismissal of Enzo Maresca, who guided the club to the two trophies referenced by Rosenior.

However, five wins from Rosenior’s first six matches in charge have gone a long way towards silencing early criticism.

Reflecting on his start as Chelsea manager, Rosenior said: “I’ll be really honest. All this proof of me being the right man for the job or not – I don’t really care. I’m here to do a job.

“If we get to the final, it’s great for Chelsea Football Club that we’re in the final. It’s not about me.

“I will prove in time that I’m worthy [of managing Chelsea], but it’s not at the forefront of my mind right now.”

Encouraged by a strong run of performances in recent weeks – aside from what he described as a below-par first half against West Ham – Rosenior could secure his first major statement result if his side are able to overturn the deficit in north London.

Chelsea will again be without star winger Estêvão, who remains on compassionate leave after returning to Brazil. Rosenior provided an update on the youngster’s situation while previewing the Arsenal clash.

“I don’t know if he will be available for the Arsenal game,” he said. “He’s a young kid who’s come in and been magnificent. He’s gone through a really difficult time in his personal life, and he is on compassionate leave, so I won’t be putting any added pressure on him.

“He has to come back when the time is right for both him and the team, so we’ll see.”

Chelsea face Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night, with the winner set to meet either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at the end of March – a fixture that could present Rosenior with his first opportunity to lift silverware as Chelsea boss.