Liam Rosenior has admitted taking responsibility for Robert Sanchez’s errors in Chelsea’s 3-2 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of their EFL Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
The Spanish goalkeeper was at fault for both of the Gunners first two goals of the game, leaving his side with a mountain to climb ahead of the second leg in February.
It also marked a losing debut at Stamford Bridge for the 41-year-old head coach who joined the club last week as a replacement for Enzo Maresca.
“It’s a team goal, it’s not just on Rob [Sanchez], I’m asking Rob to do things that he hasn’t done before. I said to him before the game, and I made this really clear, when my players make mistakes, I’m accountable. That’s on me”, the Englishman said.
“He made a save in the second half that was absolutely world-class. That could have put us out of the tie. He will improve in terms of his understanding.
“That’s Rob’s first game with me, I’ve had two days’ work with him. I have to put my imprint on the team. That’s why I’m here.”
Arsenal grabbed the advantage in the first leg of the Carabao Cup clash on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Chelsea.
Sanchez failed to claim a corner kick from Declan Rice, allowing Ben White to open scoring inside the first 10 minutes, before allowing a cross to go underneath him and allow Victor Gyokeres to double the advantage.
Alejandro Garnacho scored moments after coming on to half the deficit, but Martin Zubimendi restored the two-goal advantage after good work from Gyokeres.
Garnacho scored his second of the game to set up a tense finish, although the visitors held on for a one-goal advantage into the second leg.
Arsenal will host Chelsea in their semifinal second leg encounter at the Emirates on February 3, with the winner facing either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final.
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