Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Premier League - Source: Getty
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville - Source: Getty
Manchester United legend Gary Nevlle reckons Chelsea centre-back Mamadou Sarr had an impressive outing in the 2-1 defeat at Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday (March 1).
All three goals on the night came from the hosts' players, with William Saliba opening the scoring in the 21st minute before Piero Hincapie beat his own goalkeeper in first-half stoppage time.
The Gunners, though, regained their advantage midway through the second period, through, Jurrien Timber. Pedro Neto's dismissal two minutes later put paid to the Blues' hopes of salvaging anything from the match as the Gunners retained their five-point advantage at the top, having played a game more.
However, Sarr - on his Premier League debut - earned praise from Neville for his outing (as per Sky Sports via Chelsea News):
“Mamadou Sarr has done well. It’s a tough game for you to come into as your Premier League debut. I think he can hold his head high tonight.”
In 89 minutes of action against Arsenal, Sarr won one tackle, made one interception, five clearances and a recovery, blocked one shot, won one ground duel and wasn't dribbled past (as per Sofa score).
"We weren't ruthless in the moment" - Chelsea boss Liam Rosenoir after Arsenal defeat
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenoir - Source: Getty
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenoir - Source: Getty
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenoir rued his side's lack of ruthlessless in their Premier League defeat against leaders Arsenal at the Emirates in London on Sunday.
The defeat was blighted by Pedro Neto's dismissal, marking the ninth time a Blues player was dismissed in the league this season, tying the record for most dismissals in a top-flight campaign.
"I don't want to push the league leaders very hard," Rosenoir told the BBC. "We're Chelsea, we want to win games of football. Between both boxes, we were very, very good.
"I felt we were the better team by far in the second half, but we weren't ruthless in the moment. Their goalkeeper makes very good saves, and at the other end, we concede two goals from corners."
On Neto's dismissal for dissent and making a poor tackle, Rosenoir harped the importance of having 11 players on the field:
"Probably not to be honest, it's very simple. It's something that we need to address, not just Pedro but as a team to make sure we have 11 men on the pitch."
The Blues - on a three-game winless run (losing one) - next take on Aston Villa away in the league on Wednesday (March 4).