No one would expect Liam Rosenior to have all the solutions to Chelsea’s problems so early in his tenure.
He does, however, appear to have already found a remedy to the biggest issue that plagued Enzo Maresca’s team.
There have been times this season where Chelsea have visibly let go of the rope. It happened against Leeds United at Elland Road in December, arguably from the opening minutes.
This week has twice brought a different challenge, with Chelsea plunged into holes of their own making against Napoli and West Ham United.
On both occasions, rather than lapsing into lethargy or indulging their more petulant impulses, they drew closer together and dug deeper to find the energy and quality — with the help of some decisive substitutions — to claw out a win.
That intensity elevates them and helps them secure results. They will need more of that intensity today.