There were a few things to like about Chelsea in their game against Arsenal. Yes, they lost, but at least they showed the desire to try and come back into the matchup. In the past, oftentimes, we have not seen that reaction from this team when they go down against top sides. A brace from Alejandro Garnacho has kept them in the tie going into the second leg.
That being said, it feels like they deserved more from this game. But when you make errors against teams like Arsenal, you end up paying the price for them, which the Blues did.
The errors on this occasion came from someone who has been excellent this season. Robert Sanchez failed to deal with a corner for Arsenal's opener, aimlessly flapping with one arm as it sailed over him and was feebly headed into an open net. The second was even worse as the Spaniard spilt a routine cross across the box and Viktor Gyokeres was allowed a tap-in.
But then, Sanchez produced one of the saves of the season to keep the Blues in the game when they were down 3-1. At the end of the match, Rosenior took the blame upon himself for the errors. As reported by The Chelsea Chronicle, the manager said:
"I asked him [Robert Sanchez] for different things, it takes time to understand. Rob is a very good goalkeeper, made an outstanding save at 3-1 to keep us in the tie.
“When my players make mistakes, I’m accountable. He made a save in the second-half that was absolutely world-class. That would have put us out of the tie."
Liam Rosenior makes bold claim about Chelsea errors vs Arsenal
It is good to see that Rosenior is trying to protect his player. That being said, there is no way that those two errors had anything to do with what the manager has been asking Sanchez to do.
It is what it is though. Truth be told, Sanchez has bee one of Chelsea's best performers this season. One of these displays was always around the corner. That is the risk you have with the Spaniard.
The bigger worry is that his mistakes seem to be coming in the big games. Before this, there was the red card against Manchester United.
Sanchez has everything needed to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. But as long as he continues making these errors, he will never be considered in that category. Can Rosenior trust him to be the number one if he is hoping to compete for silverware this season?