Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has come to the defence of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez after a difficult night for the Spaniard in the Blues’ 3–2 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s problems began early when Sanchez failed to deal with Declan Rice’s seventh-minute corner, allowing Ben White to force the ball home from close range and give Arsenal the lead. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after the interval as White’s low cross slipped through Sanchez’s grasp, with Viktor Gyokeres reacting quickest to score from a few yards out.
Martin Zubimendi then extended Arsenal’s lead, putting Mikel Arteta’s side firmly in control of the tie and leaving Chelsea facing an uphill task ahead of the return leg.
Despite the setback, Chelsea mounted a late rally. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho struck twice to give the home side renewed hope and keep the contest alive ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking after the match, Rosenior, who was overseeing his first home game as Chelsea head coach, accepted responsibility for the errors and urged patience with his goalkeeper. According to BBC Sport, he insisted Sanchez was adjusting to new tactical demands and should not be singled out for blame.
Chelsea will now turn their focus to the return fixture, knowing they must produce a disciplined performance in north London if they are to overturn the deficit and reach the final.
