Rosenior rues fine margins after Chelsea go down to Newcastle

Liam Rosenior was left to rue fine margins going against his team after Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Anthony Gordon fired Newcastle ahead in the 18th minute at Stamford Bridge, finishing off a slick move involving Tino Livramento and Joe Willock that sliced through the Blues' defence. 

Chelsea pushed hard for an equaliser, with Liam Delap squandering a glorious chance before captain Reece James saw a stunning 25-yard free-kick strike the foot of the post. 

The Blues have now failed to win their last three league matches at Stamford Bridge, there worst such run since 2023, leaving them in danger of slipping off the pace in the race for Champions League qualification. 

"It's frustrating, the first 15-20 minutes we dominate the game," Rosenior said to Sky Sports.  

"Waves of attack. We switch off on the press and it's a really poor goal. It gives them a goal and something to hold onto.  

"The rest of the game was attack versus defence and credit to Eddie [Howe] and Newcastle. They sat back and we didn't have the freshness in attack. 

"There was an issue with the cover and understanding on the press. That'll come. It's new in terms of what we're asking the players to do, but we're talking about one moment when the rest of the game our press was very good.  

"The problem with us wasn't without the ball. The problem was the final third. We got there many times. Created chances but weren't ruthless enough to take them." 

Only three of Chelsea's 22 shots were on target, and Rosenior felt the trend of not capitalising on key moments has been an issue all season.

"Football's really amazing, isn't it?" the Chelsea boss puzzled.  

"At the moment, in the last two games, we haven't managed to take advantage of the moments or the margins. 

"We need to assess where the players are at and we need to pick a team that can go out against PSG and play with real intensity."

Chelsea face PSG in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday, trailing 5-2 on aggregate, before they head to Everton.