New Chelsea Boss Liam Rosenior Accepts Blame for Robert Sanchez Mistakes Against Arsenal

Liam Rosenior suffered his first defeat as Chelsea head coach on Wednesday night as his side lost 3-2 at home to Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Chelsea were highly competitive against the Premier League leaders and had 57.7% of the possession, but found themselves 2-0 down inside 49 minutes after two costly errors from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Robert Sanchez makes two errors as Chelsea lose to Arsenal

Arsenal took the lead after just seven minutes when Declan Rice’s corner caused chaos inside the six-yard box, with Sanchez failing to claim the delivery as Ben White was left free to turn the ball home from close range.

Chelsea responded well to falling behind and went close through Estêvão, whose powerful strike from the edge of the area was beaten away by Kepa Arrizabalaga, while William Saliba later curled an effort onto the roof of the net at the other end after being given too much space.

The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after half-time, again with Sanchez at the centre of the action. Bukayo Saka released White down the right and his low cross appeared routine for the goalkeeper, but the ball slipped through his grasp and rolled perfectly for Viktor Gyökeres to convert from close range.

Rosenior, who was appointed as Chelsea’s fifth head coach of the Todd Boehly era earlier this month, reacted immediately by introducing Alejandro Garnacho, and the substitute made an instant impact. Pedro Neto delivered from the right and, after both White and Enzo Fernandez failed to make contact, Garnacho controlled at the far post and fired through Arrizabalaga’s legs to make it 2-1.

Arsenal restored their two-goal cushion soon after when Gyökeres turned provider, squaring for Martin Zubimendi, who sold Wesley Fofana with a clever feint before drilling into the corner.

Chelsea were not finished, however, and Garnacho struck again after Arsenal failed to clear from a corner to keep the tie alive heading into the second leg.

Both goalkeepers finished the match with three saves apiece, but it was Sanchez’s two handling errors that ultimately proved decisive.

Match Stats: Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal

Stat	Chelsea	Arsenal
Possession	57.7%	42.3%
Shots on target	5	6
Total shots	10	17
Fouls	12	14
Yellow cards	4	4
Red cards	0	0
Corners	6	9

Liam Rosenior “accountable” for Robert Sanchez mistakes

Rosenior was quick to defend his goalkeeper after the match and insisted responsibility lay with him, explaining that Sanchez is being asked to adapt to a new tactical approach at Chelsea.

“It’s a team goal, it’s not just on Rob,” Rosenior said. “I’m asking Rob to do things that he hasn’t done before. I said to him before the game, and I made this really clear, when my players make mistakes, I’m accountable. That’s on me.

“He made a save in the second half that was absolutely world-class. That could have put us out of the tie. He will improve in terms of his understanding.

“That’s Rob’s first game with me, I’ve had two days’ work with him. I have to put my imprint on the team. That’s why I’m here.

“I don’t want to do that to the detriment of the results, but I need to make sure we win now, but we keep improving for where we want to get to this season. It’s a very fine margin.

“There are a lot of positives in Rob’s performance. What you’ll know with me is I protect my players. I’m asking him to do things. If he makes a mistake, doing what I’m asking him to do, that’s on me.

“I have a lot of faith that in the long term we’ll improve as a team with the messages that we’re giving him in all the plays. My job is to help them, not to blame them.”

Match highlights: Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal

The Chelsea boss also revealed his side were severely disrupted by illness and injury, with several key players missing.

“The biggest problem for us is that we had a lot of illness, injury and we’re playing against a very, very good team,” he said.

Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo Gusto all failed late fitness tests, while Moises Caicedo was suspended and illness ruled out both Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens.

On Palmer’s situation, Rosenior added: “He had a minor strain in his thigh. If you play a player too early in January with a minor strain, it can turn into six weeks out. I can’t afford to lose Cole Palmer for six weeks because he’s that good.”

He confirmed James had suffered “a big knock on his hip”, but added: “Hopefully he will be back for Saturday.”

Rosenior added: “Gittens was ill last night, Liam Delap was due to play – he was ill four hours before the game. Both of them had really high temperatures – dangerously high. Hopefully they can rest up and will be OK for Saturday.”

Despite the defeat, Rosenior insisted there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

“We’re playing probably the best pressing team in Europe today, with their full-strength team, and we’re missing a lot of players,” he said.

“I was proud of the bravery of the players to try to execute certain aspects of what I asked. In six days, we’ve had two games. I’m not asking for time because I think the group are good enough to win now.

“But I need to put my stamp on the team as well – otherwise there’s no point in me being here. So it’s a fine balance, and hopefully the fans will see the progression in the team. But we need to win at the same time.”

What’s next?

Chelsea and Arsenal will meet again at the Emirates Stadium in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on February 3, with Rosenior’s side still firmly in contention to reach Wembley.

Before then, Rosenior will make his Premier League managerial debut when Chelsea host Brentford on Saturday.

Four days later, the Blues return to European action as they welcome Cypriot champions Pafos to Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League.