Cole Palmer's 94th-minute horror miss against Leeds United has cast a shadow over Liam Rosenior's promising start as Chelsea manager. The miss, a golden opportunity to secure a late winner, resulted in a 2-2 draw, preventing Chelsea from taking all three points against a team they were heavily favored to beat. This result marks the first significant setback for Rosenior since taking the reins, disrupting what many had perceived as a positive "honeymoon period".

Rosenior's arrival at Stamford Bridge was initially met with enthusiasm, as he brought a fresh tactical approach and a renewed sense of optimism to the club. Early victories and improved performances had fans and pundits alike praising his impact. However, the draw against Leeds has tempered expectations and highlighted the challenges that still lie ahead.

The miss itself was uncharacteristic of Palmer, who has been a standout performer for Chelsea this season. Known for his composure and clinical finishing, the young midfielder uncharacteristically failed to convert a clear opportunity in front of goal. The miss was particularly painful, given Palmer's importance to the team and his knack for delivering in crucial moments. Before the match against Leeds, Cole Palmer had a minor thigh injury because of which he also missed the match against Crystal Palace.

Beyond the immediate disappointment of the dropped points, the game against Leeds exposed some underlying issues within the Chelsea squad. Despite flashes of brilliance, the team struggled to maintain consistency throughout the match. Defensive vulnerabilities were also evident, as Leeds managed to breach Chelsea's backline twice.

Rosenior has acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of finding the right balance between attacking fluidity and defensive stability. He has also stressed the need for the team to maintain its structure, particularly in moments of transition. Rosenior said that his job is to put the players in positions where they can affect the game in their own way.

The Chelsea manager has also had to address concerns about Palmer's fitness, managing his workload carefully to avoid exacerbating a persistent groin injury. Rosenior stated that they have the best medical and sports science team in the world and want to make sure that the players can play to the level needed to help them win.

Looking ahead, Rosenior faces a crucial period as he seeks to address these challenges and guide Chelsea towards their objectives. The upcoming fixtures will provide a stern test of his managerial capabilities, and he will need to find solutions to unlock the team's full potential. While the "honeymoon period" may be over, Rosenior still has the opportunity to build a successful team at Stamford Bridge. The focus now shifts to how he responds to this setback and navigates the challenges that lie ahead.