Liam Rosenior defended Robert Sánchez after two glaring errors from the goalkeeper helped condemn Chelsea to a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

Sánchez has improved this season but he was badly at fault for goals from Ben White and Viktor Gyökeres. The Spaniard’s flap from an early corner allowed White to head Arsenal in front and Gyökeres was able to make it 2-0 after capitalising on another mistake from Chelsea’s No 1.

However Rosenior, who looked past losing his first home game in charge by taking heart from an injury-hit Chelsea’s battling display, was keen to stand by Sánchez.

“I think the first goal was disappointing,” the head coach said. “It’s a team goal. It’s not just on Rob. I’m asking Rob to do things that he hasn’t done before. 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. He will improve in terms of his understanding. I’ll stay positive with him, as I will with all the group. My job is to help them, not...