Liam Rosenior Says He Is Accountable For Chelsea Mistakes In Arsenal Defeat

Chelsea face a difficult task in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg after a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, yet Liam Rosenior insisted the responsibility for Robert Sanchez’s costly errors rests with the head coach. The loss leaves Chelsea needing a turnaround to reach the Wembley final later this month.

Rosenior also addressed injuries that affected Chelsea’s selection against Arsenal. Cole Palmer and Reece James both missed the first leg, but Rosenior expects the pair to return against Brentford this weekend. Even so, Rosenior stressed Chelsea must manage Palmer’s fitness carefully because of an ongoing thigh issue.

Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca last week, backed Sanchez despite the goalkeeper’s involvement in two Arsenal goals. Mistakes from Sanchez contributed

to finishes by Ben White and Viktor Gyokeres, yet Rosenior refused to criticise the goalkeeper publicly and instead stressed that tactical instructions from the staff played a major part.

Explaining his stance, Rosenior highlighted Chelsea’s collective responsibility for the first Arsenal goal. "The first goal was disappointing. It's a team goal. It's not just on Rob," said Rosenior, who is the seventh consecutive Chelsea boss to fail to win their first home game in charge (D5 L2). "I'm asking Rob to do things that he hasn't done before. "

Rosenior described conversations held with Sanchez before kick-off and emphasised support for the goalkeeper after the setback. "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 made a save in the second half that was absolutely world-class. That could have put us out of the tie. "

Rosenior underlined that Chelsea view Sanchez as a key part of the team’s future style. "He will improve in terms of his understanding. 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. "

7 - Liam Rosenior is the seventh consecutive Chelsea manager to fail to win their first home game in charge (D5 L2), with Maurizio Sarri the last to win his first match at Stamford Bridge in August 2018. Introduction. pic.twitter.com/jmVEXT8HpQOptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 14, 2026

Palmer’s absence against Arsenal followed a minor thigh strain, which ruled the attacker out of training earlier in the week. "Cole, yes, this game came too early for him," said Rosenior. "Hopefully, he'll be available to train on Friday and hopefully he'll be ready for us to play on Saturday. "

Rosenior explained why Chelsea will not rush Palmer back despite the importance of the upcoming fixtures. "But he had a little minor strain in his thigh. If you play a player too early in January with a minor strain, it can turn to six weeks. I can't afford to lose Cole Palmer for six weeks because he's that good. "

Reece James missed the first leg after taking a significant impact to the hip, which left the defender in pain on matchday. "Reece had a big knock on his hip. It was too sore for him today, so hopefully he'll be back for Saturday. " Chelsea now prepare for Brentford and the second leg against Arsenal, balancing recovery, form and Rosenior’s new approach.