Mauricio Pochettino says Robert Sanchez is “disappointed and upset” about his costly error in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
- Chelsea throw away a 2-0 lead
- Wrong Sanchez was punished by Arsenal
- Pochettino defends his goalkeeper
WHAT HAPPENED? Arsenal came from two goals down to draw 2-2 on Saturday. Chelsea were in control after Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk put the Blues two up with just over 40 minutes remaining, but a mistake by goalkeeper Sanchez proved the turning point. The Spaniard’s wayward pass was intercepted by Declan Rice, who fired into an empty net from long range in the 77th minute. Then, seven minutes later, substitute Leandro Trossard equalized for the visitors and the game ended in a draw. After the match, Pochettino praised the summer signing of Sanchez, while giving an insight into what the 25-year-old was going through.
WHAT THEY SAID: “We are so happy with him [Sanchez]. Of course he is disappointed and upset with his decision, but mistakes are made in football,” he said.
“That goal gave Arsenal belief. We can maybe read the situation better, the pace, the timing. We can take a risk in the 77th minute because that’s our philosophy, but maybe there’s another decision you can make.
“It’s not anyone’s fault. It can happen. It will come with time, when to be calm and when to take risks, and we’re still a very young team getting to know each other.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Arsenal’s comeback denied Chelsea a statement victory under their new manager. The Blues looked set to move within two points of the top seven but now have to settle for 10th. Instead, the Gunners missed the chance to go top of the table as they sit second behind Manchester City on goal difference but maintained their unbeaten run in the Premier League.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Getty ImagesGetty
Getty Images
WHAT’S NEXT? Chelsea take on Brentford at home next Saturday, while Mikel Arteta’s men face Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday, before hosting Sheffield United at the weekend.