"That's on me"—Liam Rosenior Takes Blame for Robert Sanchez Costly Errors in Arsenal Defeat

Liam Rosenior has moved quickly to protect Robert Sanchez after the Chelsea goalkeeper endured a difficult night against Arsenal, insisting the mistakes that shaped the game were part of a wider learning process under a new head coach.

Chelsea were beaten 3-2 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, leaving them with work to do in the return fixture at the Emirates. It was Rosenior’s first home match since taking charge, and while there were encouraging signs in Chelsea’s response, the spotlight inevitably fell on Sanchez.

The Spanish goalkeeper was directly involved in Arsenal’s first two goals, both of which came early in the second half and shifted the tie firmly in the visitors’ favour.

Arsenal opened the scoring when Sanchez failed to deal with a corner, allowing Ben White to pounce from close range. Moments later, a routine-looking cross from White slipped through the goalkeeper’s grasp, gifting Viktor Gyökeres a simple finish for 2-0.

For a crowd already tense after a cagey first half, it was a damaging spell. Yet Rosenior was clear after the match that he would not single out his goalkeeper.

Speaking to Hayters Tv, the Chelsea head coach explained that Sanchez is being asked to adapt to a new way of playing, and that responsibility for any errors lies with the team as a whole.

“I think the first goal was disappointing,” Rosenior said. “But it’s a team goal. It’s not just on Rob. I’m asking him 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.”

It was a firm show of backing, particularly notable given the scrutiny Chelsea goalkeepers have faced in recent seasons. From Kepa Arrizabalaga to Edouard Mendy and now Sanchez, the position has often been a talking point during moments of instability at the club.

Rosenior also pointed to moments later in the match that showed why he remains confident in Sanchez’s ability.

“He made a save in the second half that was absolutely world-class,” Rosenior added. “That could have put us out of the tie. He’s had a very good season. There were very, very good moments with him.

“I’ll stay positive with him, as I will with all the group. My job is to help them, not to blame them.”

Despite the errors, Chelsea showed resilience after falling two goals behind. The Blues pulled one back through sustained pressure and improved attacking intent, and they remained in the contest deep into the second half before Arsenal struck again to restore their cushion.

A late Chelsea goal ensured the tie is still alive, but Rosenior admitted the margins were fine and that his short time with the squad has limited how quickly changes can be embedded.

When pressed on what he is asking Sanchez to do differently, the former Hull City and Strasbourg coach chose his words carefully.

“Without going into too much detail — I don’t want other teams to know — there are certain triggers, there are certain patterns,” he said.

“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.”

The comments underline the challenge Rosenior faces. Chelsea are still competing on multiple fronts, and the Carabao Cup represents a realistic chance of silverware. At the same time, the new head coach is trying to introduce fresh ideas without harming short-term results.

“I don’t want to do that to the detriment of the results,” Rosenior continued. “But I need to make sure we win now. It’s a very fine margin.”

From a broader perspective, Chelsea’s defeat highlighted both the promise and the problems within the current squad. Going forward, Rosenior will need his goalkeeper to be comfortable in possession and decisive in key moments, particularly against top opposition who punish mistakes ruthlessly.

However, the coach’s public support sends a clear message to the dressing room. Mistakes will be treated as part of a collective process, not individual failings.

“There are a lot of positives in Rob’s performance today,” Rosenior said. “What you’ll know with me is that I protect my players.

“I’m asking him to do things. If he makes a mistake doing what I’m asking him to do, that’s on me.”

Chelsea now turn their attention to domestic duties before the second leg, knowing they must improve defensively if they are to reach the final. For Sanchez, the focus will be on responding positively, safe in the knowledge that his manager remains firmly in his corner.

Rosenior summed it up simply: “I have a lot of faith that in the long term we’ll improve as a team with the messages that we’re giving him in all the plays.”

For Chelsea, patience and progress may have to go hand in hand.