'It's halftime' - Rosenior 'very happy' with Chelsea performance despite loss to Arsenal in first leg of Carabao Cup semis

There's still all to play for in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

That's the message from new Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior after his side's 3-2 loss to visiting Arsenal in the first leg on Wednesday.

The Gunners took a 2-0 lead early in the second half, but Alejandro Garnacho scored a brilliant goal in the 57th minute to cut the advantage in half. After Arsenal restored their two-goal lead via a Martin Zubimendi goal in the 71st minute, it was once again Garnacho who scored a highlight reel-worthy goal to pull the Blues to within one.

• Read next | Arsenal bemoan 'disappointing' second half in narrow victory over Chelsea in first leg of Carabao Cup semis

And while Chelsea could not complete the comeback before the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, they gave themselves a fighting chance ahead of the Feb. 3 second leg at Emirates Stadium.

"It's halftime," Rosenior told Bein Sports. "I was very happy with the engagement, the commitment of the players. They gave everything. It was every open game."

While the new boss was pleased with his side's fightback, he wasn't fully content with the way they allowed Arsenal to score at vital moments in Wednesday's match.

"Disappointed to concede from a corner," he explained. "Disappointed with the third goal as well because we were right back in the game and we were on top at that moment.

"We switched off from a restart from a central free kick but I can't fault the players. We've had illness in the squad, we've picked up a few knocks this week but what the squad has shown that they are willing to run and fight for each other."

Overall, Rosenior says he's thrilled with the talent he's got on hand, and he singled out Garnacho's two-goal night as an example of what the players can do regardless of whether they are in the starting lineup or — like the Argentine goalscorer — coming into the match from the bench.

"I said he would be important off the bench and he proved that today," Rosenior said. "I've got an outstanding squad. What I need them to do is be engaged whether they start the game or whether they come off the bench.

"Garna showed his quality. I think Pedro Neto was magnificent. Estevao was outstanding as well."

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