“That’s your half! F stay there”: Liam Rosenior explains furious Emirates outburst

February 7, 2026 Oliver Obel

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup campaign ended on a tense note in north London, with frustration spilling into view long before the final whistle. As players disappeared down the tunnel at the Emirates, the sense of a missed opportunity lingered alongside visible touchline anger.

Semi-final defeat confirmed

Chelsea needed to overturn a first-leg deficit but instead slipped to a 1-0 defeat on the night, ending their run at the semi-final stage. Kai Havertz’s late goal settled the second leg and secured a 4-2 aggregate victory for Arsenal.

The result represented only Liam Rosenior’s second loss since taking charge in January following Enzo Maresca’s departure and, once again, it came against Mikel Arteta’s side. Arsenal will now face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on 22 March, according to Sky Sports.

What sparked the touchline anger

The most striking moment of the evening came at half-time rather than in open play. With substitutes and staff gathering near the pitch, television cameras captured Rosenior angrily shouting, “that’s your half! That’s your f****** half. F****** stay there,” while gesturing across the field.

Rosenior later explained that his frustration was directed at Arsenal’s coaching staff, not the players. He said the issue related to what he felt was interference with Chelsea’s designated warm-up area.

"It wasn't the players,” Rosenior said. “When you warm up, we have our half and the other team have their half. I thought they were affecting our warm-up.”

He added that there was no broader grievance with Arsenal, praising Arteta and describing the exchange as a momentary breach of etiquette rather than an attempt at mind games.

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Manager shrugs off criticism of tactics

Chelsea’s limited attacking threat drew criticism, particularly given the need for a goal. Rosenior said such reaction was inevitable given the profile of the job and insisted outside opinion would not shape his decision-making.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he acknowledged there were areas that could be improved in hindsight but felt the performance itself did not merit the level of criticism it received. Rosenior pointed to a stronger second-half display and argued the tie remained in the balance deep into the match.

Attention now turns back to league action, with Chelsea preparing to face Wolves as Rosenior looks to ensure the frustration of cup elimination does not carry over.

Sources: Sky Sports