Robert Sanchez: Chelsea Goalkeeper Points Who To Blame After Red Card in Defeat to Manchester United
- Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off just four minutes into the Blues' 2-1 defeat to Manchester United
- The Spanish goalkeeper took to Instagram to apologise to Chelsea fans and his teammates for the costly mistake
- Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca must now choose between Djordje Petrovic and Lucas Bergstrom as Sanchez serves his suspension
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has taken full responsibility for his red card during the Blues’ 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Spanish shot-stopper, who has been outstanding for the Blues this season, was sent off just four minutes into the match after a reckless challenge on Bryan Mbeumo outside the penalty area.
Source: Getty Images
Referee Peter Bankes immediately showed Sanchez a straight red card for the last-man foul, leaving Chelsea with ten men for nearly the entire game, Daily Post reports.
The goalkeeper’s early dismissal left manager Enzo Maresca scrambling to reshuffle his side, which forced him to make three quick substitutions to restore balance after they were pressed back by the hosts.
Manchester United quickly capitalised, scoring twice before halftime with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro finding the back of the net, and the Red Devils controlled the game for long spells.
Despite a spirited second-half display, Chelsea’s fightback came too late. Trevoh Chalobah scored a consolation goal with a late header, but Manchester United held on to secure all three points.
Sanchez accepts blame for Chelsea’s defeat
Following the defeat at Old Trafford, Sanchez posted an emotional message to Chelsea fans and teammates on Instagram, Daily Mail reports.
Source: Getty Images
“On me today guys, big sorry for that, team put a massive effort on the second half but couldn’t get there,” he wrote.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper had been one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers this season, but his early dismissal proved costly as the Blues lost valuable ground in the Premier League table.
Fans appreciated the honesty in his apology, but frustration remains high as Chelsea have now dropped points in back-to-back league fixtures.
Chelsea faces goalkeeper problems
With Sanchez now suspended and set to miss three consecutive league matches, manager Enzo Maresca must decide who will start in goal for Chelsea’s upcoming games.
Djordje Petrovic is the favourite to step in, while Lucas Bergstrom could serve as the backup option.
Maresca will also need to address Chelsea’s defensive problems, as playing with ten men for nearly 90 minutes exposed gaps at the back.
The Blues remain outside the top four, making every point crucial in their chase for Champions League qualification.
The defeat to Manchester United highlights the fine margins Chelsea face in a tightly contested season.
Maresca reacts to Chelsea’s defeat
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has shared his thoughts after the 2-1 loss to Manchester United in a dramatic evening at Old Trafford.
Maresca admitted that the red card threw all the plans he had for the match into the bin, and it was a situation that could have been avoided.
Source: Legit.ng
