7M - Rosenior Praises Chelsea's Spirit Despite EFL Cup Exit

Liam Rosenior insisted he could not fault the effort or commitment of his Chelsea side despite their elimination from the EFL Cup at the hands of Arsenal.

Following a 3-2 defeat in the first leg, a single goal at the Emirates would have sent the tie to extra time. But Chelsea were unable to break through and ultimately fell to a 1-0 loss, sealed by former Blue Kai Havertz, who rounded Robert Sanchez to score in the 97th minute.

This marks the first time since 1990-91—against Sheffield Wednesday—that Chelsea have lost both legs of an EFL Cup semi-final.

The visitors recorded 14 shots to Arsenal's five, yet only generated 0.7 expected goals (xG) and tested goalkeeper David Raya with just two attempts.

"We controlled the areas we wanted to in the second half, but we didn't produce that moment of quality," Rosenior told ITV1.

"When you're pushing forward like we were—we even pushed both centre-backs into the box—you can always be vulnerable late in injury time. Arsenal know they've been in a real battle across the two games.

"I see clear improvements from the first leg to the second. Of course it hurts to go out—you always want to progress—but we have to keep improving, and I believe we are."

Across the two legs, Chelsea managed more shots in the second encounter (10 at Stamford Bridge) but only created 1.4 xG in total.

Both of Rosenior's defeats since taking charge of Chelsea have come against Arsenal in the EFL Cup, though he declined to dwell on regrets from the first leg.

"In the first leg, I'm not making excuses, but we had an illness run through the squad on matchday—we lost four players—and I'd only been in the job for three days," he explained.

"I really can't question the players' application, intensity or fight.

"We have to remember this is just the beginning, and I'm genuinely encouraged by a lot of what I'm seeing.

"Results are what matter—but now we need to rest, recover, and keep building as we move forward."