Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea: Blues positives and negatives

Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Arsenal FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League | Julian Finney/GettyImages
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Negatives

1. Robert Sanchez’s costly errrors

Most Chelsea fans expected Arsenal to score, and many would have predicted Robert Sanchez to play a role in it. That’s exactly what happened.

When Martin Ødegaard’s corner came in, the players were crowded at the near post. Merino’s header lacked power, it simply looped over, but Sanchez’s poor positioning allowed it to drop inside the goal. A more reliable goalkeeper would have saved it.

It wasn’t his only mistake. Earlier in the half, a careless clearance landed at Leandro Trossard’s feet. However, Chelsea was fortunate it didn’t lead to a goal. Sanchez also had several unconvincing moments, lunging recklessly at crosses and flapping at routine stops, often pushing the ball into dangerous areas.

To his credit, he made a good save in the second half to deny Merino, but that doesn’t excuse his overall performance. Despite his struggles, Enzo Maresca once again defended him after the match, insisting Sanchez had played well. Chelsea fans are growing frustrated with Maresca’s unwavering trust in a goalkeeper who continues to cost them points.