Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has taken full responsibility for Robert Sanchez’s costly mistakes, insisting the goalkeeper is adapting to new tactical demands after the Blues’ 3–2 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
In Rosenior’s first home match in charge at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea manager publicly backed his £25m goalkeeper, stressing that any errors stem from instructions he has asked Sanchez to follow as part of a new playing style.
Sanchez Under Scrutiny After Costly Errors
The 28-year-old Spain international endured a difficult night against Arsenal and was arguably at fault for two of the visitors’ three goals.
- 7th minute: Sanchez failed to deal with Declan Rice’s corner, allowing Ben White to convert from close range
- 49th minute: White’s low cross slipped through Sanchez’s grasp, leaving Viktor Gyokeres with a simple finish
Arsenal later extended their lead through Martin Zubimendi, but substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s late double gave Chelsea renewed hope heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on 3 February.
Rosenior: ‘When My Players Make Mistakes, I’m Accountable’
Despite the result, Rosenior was emphatic in his defence of Sanchez, repeatedly stressing that responsibility lies with him.
“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. When my players make mistakes, I’m accountable. That’s on me.”
Rosenior revealed he had worked with Sanchez for just two days before the match and acknowledged that the goalkeeper is still adjusting to a new system.
“That was Rob’s first game with me. I have to put my imprint on the team – that’s why I’m here,” he added.
‘There Were Positives’ in Sanchez’s Performance
While Sanchez’s errors drew criticism, Rosenior highlighted a crucial second-half save that kept Chelsea alive in the tie.
“He made a save in the second half that was absolutely world-class. That could have put us out of the tie,” Rosenior said.
The Chelsea boss emphasised his long-term faith in the goalkeeper:
“There are a lot of positives in Rob’s performance. If he makes a mistake doing what I’m asking him to do, that’s on me.
My job is to help players, not to blame them.”
Chelsea Hit by Injury and Illness Crisis
Rosenior also pointed to significant squad disruption, revealing Chelsea were missing several key players due to injury, suspension, and illness.
❌ Absent Players
- Cole Palmer – minor thigh strain
- Reece James – hip knock
- Malo Gusto – failed late fitness test
- Moises Caicedo – suspended
- Jamie Gittens – illness
- Liam Delap – illness
On Palmer’s absence, Rosenior said:
“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 added that Delap and Gittens were suffering from dangerously high temperatures just hours before kick-off.
Encouragement Despite First Defeat Under Rosenior
Although the loss marked Rosenior’s first defeat as Chelsea manager, he remained encouraged by his side’s overall display against one of Europe’s elite teams.
“We’re playing probably the best pressing team in Europe, with their full-strength team, and we’re missing a lot of players,” he said.
Rosenior praised his squad’s willingness to implement his ideas despite minimal preparation time:
“I was proud of the bravery of the players to try to execute what I asked. In six days, we’ve had two games.”
Chelsea Still Believe Ahead of Second Leg
Despite trailing 3–2 on aggregate, Rosenior believes Chelsea remain firmly in contention to reach the EFL Cup final on 22 March.
“I’m not asking for time. The group are good enough to win now,” he said.
“But I need to put my stamp on the team as well – otherwise there’s no point in me being here. It’s a very fine balance.”
With key players expected to return and momentum from Garnacho’s late goals, Chelsea will travel to north London believing the tie is still alive.
Key Takeaways
- Liam Rosenior takes responsibility for Robert Sanchez’s mistakes
- Chelsea goalkeeper adapting to new tactical demands
- Injuries and illness heavily impacted Chelsea squad
- Alejandro Garnacho’s late goals keep semi-final alive
- Second leg at Emirates Stadium on 3 February
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