Liam Rosenior reveals details of private conversation with Chelsea star after Arsenal Carabao Cup defeat
Liam Rosenior shouldered responsibility for Robert Sanchez’s costly errors following Chelsea’s 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Sanchez’s difficult evening began within seven minutes when he misjudged a corner, allowing Arsenal defender Ben White to head home the opener.
The Spanish goalkeeper’s troubles continued four minutes into the second half when he failed to gather White’s low delivery, presenting Viktor Gyokeres with a simple tap-in for his first goal of 2026.
Rosenior, taking charge of his inaugural home match since replacing Enzo Maresca, insisted his goalkeeper was attempting to follow unfamiliar instructions.
“It’s a team goal,” Rosenior said. “It’s not just on Rob. I’m asking Rob to do things that he hasn’t done before.”
The 41-year-old made clear he would not single out individuals for criticism.
“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,” he added.
Robert Sanchez struggled as Chelsea lost to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup
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Having worked with Sanchez for just two days, Rosenior acknowledged the adjustment period required.
The Chelsea boss described the first goal as “disappointing” but refused to place sole blame on his shot-stopper.
Despite those lapses, Sanchez produced crucial interventions late in the contest to prevent further damage.
Fulham are hoping to win the Carabao Cup this season | GETTY/GBNEWS
“He made a save in the second-half that was absolutely world-class. That could have put us out of the tie,” Rosenior noted.
Among those stops was an outstanding denial of Mikel Merino’s close-range volley.
Alejandro Garnacho’s two goals ensured Chelsea remain firmly in contention ahead of the second leg at the Emirates, with Martin Zubimendi’s strike giving Arsenal only a slender advantage.
Rosenior expressed satisfaction with his squad’s resilience despite dealing with suspensions, injuries and illness within the camp.
“That was what made me so happy. I’m never happy to lose a game of football, of course, but I saw an energy of determination and intensity,” he explained.
“I felt Enzo Fernandez was outstanding in midfield with Andrey Santos.
Arsenal edged Chelsea in their Carabao Cup clash on Wednesday night
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“Bearing in mind the fact that we’ve had an illness in the camp, I thought Marc Guiu gave everything.”
Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, was effusive in his praise for Zubimendi following another commanding performance from the Spanish midfielder.
The summer acquisition extended Arsenal’s lead to 3-1 on 71 minutes, demonstrating composure to beat Wesley Fofana before finishing with his left foot.
“I think when we talk about Zubimendi, what else can he do?” Arteta said.
“He can do whatever he wants, his qualities are a bit similar to Declan’s.
“He’s so composed, he sees the picture very clearly. I think he is phenomenal, not only the goal, but the performance as well.”
