Mauricio Pochettino has thrown his weight behind goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, following his costly error which led to Arsenal’s first goal against Chelsea on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
The Gunners were trailing by 2 goals before the 77th minute of the encounter when Robert Sanchez misplaced a pass that found Declan Rice.
Rice converted in style from outside the box, with a first-time effort that found the bottom corner.
In the 84th minute, Arsenal got back on level terms, with Leandro Trossard poking home the ball, from a well-delivered cross by Bukayo Saka.
Chelsea were in sight of victory but they lost their guard in the dying embers of the competitive London.
Following the expiration of the encounter, Robert Sanchez was spotlighted for his mistake which boosted Arsenal’s chances of coming back into the game.
The Spaniard joined Chelsea from Brighton and Hove Albion on August 5, 2023, for a fee of €28.7 million.
Sanchez has been impressive manning the post for the Blues this campaign, after becoming the number 1, following the loan departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
He has made 10 appearances for the West London side, keeping 4 clean sheets in the process.
Pochettino on Robert Sanchez error against Arsenal
Speaking in an interview after the game, Mauricio Pochettino expressed his support for Robert Sanchez.
He said: “It’s not to blame someone. It can happen. It will arrive with time. when to be calm and when to take risks”.
The Argentine noted how young the majority of the Chelsea players are, and they gradually getting in sync with each other.
Pochettino said: “We’re a young team getting to know each other”.
“We are so happy with him. Of course he is disappointed and upset with his decision”.
The 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge has seen Chelsea move up to 10th on the Premier League table, with 12 points from 9 league matches.
Robert Sanchez learnt the ropes at Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion, and he made 90 appearances for the Seagulls, amassing 29 clean sheets across all competitions.
Chelsea have in recent seasons battled goalkeeping issues, with former goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and on-loan goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga occasionally dropping clangers.
Sanchez put the minds of the Blues supporters at rest a bit, but their fears became evident once again on Saturday, October 22, 2023.
Meanwhile, Chelsea welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge next up in the Premier League, with the encounter slated for Saturday, October 28, 2023.
The Blues couldn’t defeat Thomas Frank’s side last campaign, losing 0-2 at Stamford Bridge and playing out a 0-0 draw at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be hoping to continue their four-match unbeaten run by defeating the Bees, who sit 14th on the Premier League table.
