Rosenior puts lethargic Chelsea display down to virus

Liam Rosenior put Chelsea’s below-par performance against Brentford down to a virus which has affected a number of players.

The Blues won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge but the visitors created chances and the second goal – a penalty by Cole Palmer – came against the run of play.

It was nevertheless a win for head coach Rosenior in his first league match at the helm – but he felt illness in the camp had taken its toll.

“It’s running through the squad. There were a couple of players playing today who were complaining about their chests,” he explained.

“I felt that’s why we weren’t good with the ball. But the players showed a willingness to battle.”

The three points took Chelsea above Brentford in the table and Rosenior insisted they deserved credit for the spirit they showed.

“They put in a magnificent effort. I’m so happy with the attitude of the group to get through this game,” he said.

“What pleased me the most, which was summed up in the two goals, was the players’ willingness to battle, fight, block shots, and to make headers and tackles.

“That attitude got us the goals that won us the game.”