Moises Caicedo strikes late as Chelsea end Pafos resistance

LONDON – Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is thrilled with having a “world-class” player in Moises Caicedo, as the midfielder’s late goal clinched a 1-0 Champions League win over Cypriot minnows Pafos on Jan 21.

The victory also meant the Blues moved closer to automatic qualification for the last 16.

In Rosenior’s first Champions League game as Chelsea boss, Ecuadorian Caicedo netted in the closing stages at Stamford Bridge to end Pafos’ stubborn resistance.

Their fourth victory from seven Champions League league-stage matches lifted them into eighth place.

A win at Napoli in their final group game on Jan 28 would likely be enough to send Chelsea through to the last 16, depending on other results.

The Blues would face the unwanted stress of a play-off round if they finish outside the top eight.

“I was delighted for Moises Caicedo to get the goal and the win we deserved,” Rosenior said.

“Moises is an outstanding player, a world-class midfielder. When you play against a low block, your pivot players play higher up and hopefully, he can continue chipping in with goals.”

Rosenior has won three times and lost once in his first four games since arriving from Racing Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge after mounting tensions with the club’s hierarchy.

It was far from plain sailing for his team, as Chelsea struggled to find a way past inspired Pafos goalkeeper Jay Gorter before Caicedo made the breakthrough.

Optimistic Chelsea fans have noted their two Champions League triumphs in 2012 and 2021 came after they changed manager in mid-season. But there is a long way to go before Rosenior can hope to emulate those iconic victories masterminded by Roberto di Matteo and Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea have been steady rather than eye-catching so far under the Englishman, with far sterner tests lying in wait for the surprise choice to replace Maresca.

“Of course you want to score more goals, but the reality is we are in the top eight,” Rosenior added.

“We have to keep focusing on the job and that is to win as many games as possible. I can’t affect how people judge me but I am very excited for the future of this club.

“I would like the fans to be with us and with me but to do that, I need to earn that.”

He made six changes from the 2-0 win over Brentford last weekend, with injured England forward Cole Palmer absent due to a slight strain.

Chelsea laboured for long periods and even when Enzo Fernandez had the ball in the net in the 18th minute, the Argentinian midfielder’s close-range header was disallowed for a push.

Frustration was mounting among Chelsea supporters and Rosenior made a double change at the break, sending on goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for Filip Jorgensen and Estevao Willian for Reece James.

To Rosenior’s immense relief, Chelsea finally found a way past Gorter in the 78th minute.

Pafos could not clear a corner and Caicedo arrived to flick his header into the far corner from close range. AFP