Liam Rosenior defended goalkeeper Robert Sánchez after two costly errors contributed to Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat by Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge. Sánchez misjudged an early corner, allowing Ben White to head Arsenal ahead, and later a mistake gave Viktor Gyökeres a simple second goal.
Despite the errors, Rosenior took responsibility, saying: “I’m accountable. That’s on me. I’m asking Rob to do things he hasn’t done before. My job is to help players, not blame them.” He praised Sánchez for a later “world-class” save that kept the tie alive.
Arsenal led 3-1 after Martín Zubimendi’s strike, but substitute Alejandro Garnacho scored twice to give Chelsea hope. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called it “just half-time” for the second leg at the Emirates.
Chelsea were missing Cole Palmer, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and Moisés Caicedo through injury, illness, or suspension. Rosenior hopes Palmer will be fit for Saturday’s match against Brentford.
