Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has publicly accepted accountability for goalkeeper Robert Sánchez's two critical mistakes, which proved decisive in a 3-2 home defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Goalkeeping Errors Prove Costly at Stamford Bridge
The match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night saw Chelsea's improved shot-stopper, Robert Sánchez, endure a difficult evening. His first error came early, as he flapped at a corner, allowing Arsenal's Ben White a free header to open the scoring. Sánchez was at fault again for the visitors' second goal, with Viktor Gyökeres capitalising on another mistake from the Spanish number one.
Despite these setbacks, Chelsea fought back into the tie. After Martín Zubimendi made it 3-1 to Arsenal in the 71st minute, substitute Alejandro Garnacho scored twice to give the Blues hope heading into next month's second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
"I'm Accountable": Rosenior's Firm Defence of His Player
In the aftermath of his first home defeat in charge, Rosenior was quick to deflect criticism away from Sánchez and onto himself. "I think the first goal was disappointing," the head coach stated. "It's a team goal. It's not just on Rob. I'm asking Rob to do things that he hasn't done before. When my players make mistakes, I'm accountable. That's on me."
Rosenior highlighted Sánchez's second-half contribution, which included a world-class save that prevented the tie from slipping further from Chelsea's grasp. "He will improve in terms of his understanding," Rosenior added. "I'll stay positive with him, as I will with all the group. My job is to help them, not to blame them."
Injury-Hit Squad and Second Leg Prospects
Chelsea were severely depleted for the clash, missing several key players. Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Malo Gusto were absent through injury, while Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens were ill with "dangerously high" temperatures. Moisés Caicedo was suspended.
Rosenior expressed hope that star man Cole Palmer would recover from a thigh strain in time for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Brentford, cautioning against rushing him back prematurely. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the tie remains finely poised. "It's game on," Arteta said. "It's just half-time, and we know the big fight that we're going to have back at the Emirates because they are a top side."
The result sets up a finely balanced second leg next month, with Chelsea needing to overturn a one-goal deficit away from home to reach the Carabao Cup final.
