Following the goalkeeper’s shaky performance in Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal, Liam Rosenior has backed Robert Sanchez while verifying Pedro Neto’s apology following his red card.

After misjudging a cross that resulted in Arsenal’s game-winning goal at Emirates Stadium, Sanchez came under fire. Rosenior, however, disagreed with the idea that a single player should be held responsible for the loss.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Aston Villa, Rosenior said:

“I think each player adds to the overall picture and functionality of your team. So yes, the first few minutes we had a few nervy spells.

“The fact that we played out from the back affected their press and gave us space in the areas that we wanted to have those spaces. I think that’s just as clear.

“So I don’t want to single out players and say what they can or can’t improve. It’s about the functionality of the team.

“I don’t think anyone can say in the moment, other than the two set play goals, my team did not function well in the game. By the way, the league leaders, top of the Champions League.

” We functioned in a very good way for a lot of the game. The reason we lost the game was we didn’t take care of the moments. Nothing to do with Rob’s build, nothing to do with the way that we played. We have to manage those moments to win games of football.”

Neto was sent off for two rapid bookings, including one for dissent, which made Chelsea’s loss much worse. Rosenior verified that the winger spoke to the team.

“Pedro has apologised to the group. I need to see an improvement in the behaviour now,” he said. “It’s not just Pedro. Enzo is a top leader. It’s something that needs to improve. We are one of the youngest teams in Europe.”

Rosenior also cautioned that future choices will be influenced by discipline.

“Our percentage chance of winning goes through the roof,” he added. “I can’t afford to go through a season where there is a red card in every two or three games. I need to do my team selection based on that.”

Chelsea now prepare for a difficult test against Villa, with Rosenior acknowledging: “It will be a very difficult game. They’re very clinical in terms of the expected goals they create.”

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