Analysis: Fernandez lifts gloom

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Chelsea emerged from the chaos and discontent of Liam Rosenior's final days in charge at Stamford Bridge by setting up the chance to save a turbulent season with silverware.

Rosenior left after a run of five league defeats without a goal, the first time this had happened to Chelsea since 1912.

And the sign of Chelsea's poor form was illustrated when Enzo Fernandez arrived with perfect timing to head past Leeds United keeper Lucas Perri. It ended a run of 498 minutes without a goal against Premier League clubs in all competitions.

As is so often the case, the departure of a head coach who appeared to have lost the faith of his players galvanised Chelsea into action with a performance that was much improved - if hardly scintillating.

Keeper Robert Sanchez, the target for much criticism in recent months, emerged as a key figure with those crucial saves from Brenden Aaronson and Anton Stach.

But the match-winner and game's outstanding performer was Fernandez, who was also at the centre of controversy during Rosenior's reign when he received a two-game internal ban for publicly discussing a potential transfer to Real Madrid.

He took the acclaim from Chelsea's jubilant supporters after the final whistle as the dark clouds that have been hanging over them were, on this day at least, lifted.