Pundit Troy Deeney has hit out at Chelsea for their perceived lack of ambition in keeping Robert Sanchez as their first-choice goalkeeper. The Blues lost 3-2 at home to Arsenal in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, with Sanchez responsible for two goals.
Deeney was on duty for CBS Sports when he slated the error-prone Spain international as proof of Chelsea being an unserious club. The former Forest Green manager pointed out that Sanchez has continually made mistakes despite having a brief period of respite, and that counts against him.
"I said it at the start of the season, I'll say it again now. When you've got that goalkeeper (Sanchez) in, you can't tell me you're serious about being in the Champions League or being in the Premier League, you can't. The mistakes are continuous. I know he had a short period where he's done okay, but over the totality of when people show you who they are, believe them ", he said.
Robert Sanchez played his first game under new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, having been rested for the FA Cup tie against Charlton Athletic. The 28-year-old did not cover himself in glory as he gifted Arsenal their first two goals in the cup semi-final to hand then the advantage heading into the return leg.
Sanchez enjoyed a period of stability in the last few months under Enzo Maresca, proving his worth as one of the leading shot-stoppers in the Premier League. The former Brighton & Hove Albion man was poor against the Gunners, missing the ball entirely for the first goal before allowing it to squirm underneath him for the second.
Chelsea face huge task after first leg defeat to Arsenal
Chelsea have left themselves with a mountain to climb after losing 3-2 to Arsenal in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge. The injury-hit Blues put up a brave resistance in Liam Rosenior's first game in charge to retain a chance of progressing to the final of the competition.
Rosenior's side found themselves behind after just seven minutes when a Robert Sanchez gaffe was punished by Ben White from close range. The Blues, who were without the likes of Reece James, Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens, got to halftime without conceding any more goals.
Sanchez again gifted the Gunners, this time Viktor Gyokeres, a goal following an error four minutes into the second half as Arsenal went 2-0 up. The Blues pulled one back through substitute Alejandro Garnacho in the 57th minute.
Martin Zubimendi finished excellently in the 71st minute to restore his side's two-goal buffer before Garnacho struck again in the 83rd minute. The game ended 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, with the second leg set to take place in North London on February 3rd.