Liam Rosenior backs Robert Sanchez and says Pedro Neto has apologised

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has leapt to the defence of Robert Sanchez despite a shaky performance in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. The Spaniard came under intense scrutiny after misjudging a cross for the Gunners' winning goal, but Rosenior insisted the blame should not rest on one man.

Speaking at Cobham ahead of a midweek trip to Aston Villa, Rosenior emphasised the team's functionality, saying each player adds to the overall picture and that, apart from the two set-play goals, his side functioned well for much of the game. He added that the defeat came from not taking care of key moments rather than the way the team built from the back.

The loss was compounded by Pedro Neto's red card for two quick bookings, including one for dissent, a moment that drew sharp criticism from pundits and led Chris Sutton to call the winger an "idiot." Rosenior said Neto has apologised to the group, that he needs to see improved behaviour, and noted Enzo Fernandez as a top leader in a squad that is one of the youngest in Europe.

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