‎Chelsea Player Ratings vs Arsenal: Robert Sanchez Errors Costly but Garnacho Double Keeps Carabao Cup Dream Alive

‎Chelsea have work to do if they are to book a place in the Carabao Cup final after defensive mishaps, particularly from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, led to a damaging 3-2 home defeat against Arsenal in the first leg of the semi-final. The Spaniard was at fault for two goals, allowing Ben White and Viktor Gyokeres to capitalise, although a lively cameo from substitute Alejandro Garnacho gave the Blues renewed belief ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium.

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‎Chelsea suffered a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg as Robert Sanchez endured a nightmare, but Alejandro Garnacho’s brace keeps the Blues in contention.

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‎The Blues came into the contest full of confidence following an emphatic 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in Liam Rosenior’s first match in charge. However, that momentum quickly disappeared as Sanchez misjudged Declan Rice’s corner inside seven minutes, leaving White unmarked to nod in the opener.

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‎Arsenal continued to apply sustained pressure throughout the first half, yet Chelsea managed to limit the damage and went into the interval trailing by just one goal. That resilience evaporated early in the second period when Sanchez spilled a low delivery, allowing Gyokeres to finish from close range and strengthen Arsenal’s grip on the tie.

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‎Rosenior’s introduction of Garnacho shifted the mood inside Stamford Bridge. The Argentine forward calmly finished through Kepa Arrizabalaga’s legs to pull one back, only for Martin Zubimendi to respond with a powerful strike that restored Arsenal’s two-goal cushion. Garnacho was not finished, though, and his second goal of the evening reduced the deficit once more, ensuring Chelsea head into the second leg still alive, albeit facing an uphill task.

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‎Goalkeeper & Defence

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‎Robert Sanchez (2/10): A torrid night. Failed to deal with an early corner for White’s goal and spilled a routine cross for Gyokeres. A superb save from Merino after the break offered little redemption.

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‎Josh Acheampong (4/10): Looked uneasy on the flank and allowed Trossard too much freedom.

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‎Wesley Fofana (4/10): Leadership was lacking at the heart of defence when it was badly needed.

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‎Trevoh Chalobah (3/10): Found Gyokeres a difficult opponent and was careless in possession.

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‎Marc Cucurella (3/10): Booked for a heavy challenge on Saka and came off second best in that duel.

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‎Midfield

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‎Andrey Santos (5/10): Deputised for the suspended Caicedo but could not replicate his influence, especially against Rice and Zubimendi.

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‎Enzo Fernandez (6/10): Created a couple of openings but was largely overshadowed in midfield.

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‎Joao Pedro (5/10): Struggled to find space in advanced areas and had limited goal threat.

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‎Attack

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‎Estevao (7/10): Involved in a heated moment with Trossard that led to a booking but caused problems when driving at Timber.

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‎Marc Guiu (4/10): Failed to impose himself and was withdrawn as Chelsea searched for inspiration.

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‎Pedro Neto (7/10): Became influential after the break, providing the assist for Garnacho’s first goal.

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‎Substitutes & Manager

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‎Alejandro Garnacho (8/10): Twice showed composure in front of goal and single-handedly kept Chelsea in the tie.

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‎Benoit Badiashile (5/10): Introduced for Acheampong and soon cautioned for a foul on Saka.

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‎Jorrel Hato (4/10): Added numbers at the back but defensive fragility remained.

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‎Tosin Adarabioyo (4/10): Fresh legs, yet Chelsea still looked exposed.

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‎Shumaira Mheuka (N/A): Thrown on late as the Blues pushed for an equaliser.

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‎Liam Rosenior (6/10): Powerless to prevent goalkeeping errors but encouraged by the response and Garnacho’s impact.