Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith labelled Robert Sanchez a “bag of nerves” during Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.
The Blues lost the first leg of the semi final 3-2 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening, and face a huge task in second leg at The Emirates if they are to make it to Wembley.
Alejandro Garnacho scored twice off the bench, but Arsenal were also gifted two goals from poor errors by Sanchez.
Alan Smith criticises Robert Sanchez
Liam Rosenior opted to start Sanchez over cup keeper Filip Jorgensen, and the Spaniard arguably put in his worst performance of the season.
He didn’t look comfortable with the ball at his feet, and his distribution was all over the place, as he clearly struggled to get to grips with what Rosenior was asking of him.
The first goal Sanchez flapped at a corner, and for the second he allows the ball to go under his body for Viktor Gyokeres to have a tap in.
Robert Sanchez in action for Chelsea.
Sanchez had an evening to forget against Arsenal. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
It’s a night he’ll want to forget, and Smith who was commentating for Sky Sports branded the Spain international a “bag of nerves.”
“That’s incredible, isn’t it? How easy is that for Ben White,” he told Sky Sports.
“They didn’t have to do anything particularly special here, Arsenal. Yes the ball was delivered well but Sanchez gets blocked out, quite possibly by his own player.
“He waves a hand at it and gets nowhere near it. Ben White wasn’t even expecting it, it’s such a soft goal.
“Chelsea will have had a plan to deal with Arsenal’s set pieces but it’s fallen apart. He looks a bag of nerves, Sanchez, he looks vulnerable. You’ve got to be stronger.”
Jamie Redknapp not impressed with Chelsea goalkeeper
After Arsenal scored their second, Smith added:
“It’s another goal where the keeper, Sanchez, doesn’t come off favourably.
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Liam Rosenior talks to the fourth official.
Liam Rosenior on the touchline.
Liam Rosenior on the touchline.
“He just takes the weight off it, Sanchez, and puts it perfectly into place of Gyokeres. The ball is like a bar of soap for Sanchez. It’s dreadful.”
Jamie Redknapp was also left unimpressed and said:
“Arsenal have scored some good set-pieces goals, the coach certainly earns his money there, but this one is so easy.
“The goalkeeper starts in a decent position, the delivery is good but the goalkeeper just flaps at it, it’s so poor and weak. He needs to be stronger.”