Pundit puts spotlight on ‘bad’ Chelsea star for role in Arsenal’s first goal

Pat Nevin highlights Robert Sanchez whose bad pass led to Arsenal’s comeback against Chelsea

Pundit Pat Nevin was dissatisfied with the performances of David Raya and Robert Sanchez for Arsenal and Chelsea respectively at Stamford Bridge last night. Sanchez’s poor pass ruined Chelsea’s deserving lead against Arsenal as the Gunners fought back to claim a 2-2 draw in the London Derby.

Raya, on the other hand, had a not-quite-stellar performance against the Blues. He was caught off guard by Chelsea’s second goal, and then his errant pass to Cole Palmer nearly led to a third goal for the Blues. Unfortunately for us, he reacted quickly to forestall the danger.

This London derby consisted of everything we hoped for, but no one expected Chelsea to dominate the game considering the club has only won three games this season in the Premier League. It was a performance that showcased the best of our players and was arguably for 77 minutes, our finest outing of the current season.

Pat Nevin highlights Robert Sanchez whose bad pass led to Arsenal's comeback against Chelsea. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Pat Nevin criticised Robert Sanchez’s performance against Arsenal. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Chelsea started in front and got their deserving goal in the 15th minute when Palmer slotted the ball from the spot and Mykhaylo Mudryk doubled the lead in the 48th minute. We had several more opportunities to put the game to bed but never quite got the ball over the line.

They seemed to be headed for Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s third straight victory, but Sanchez’s wayward pass cost them and allowed Arsenal to mount a comeback. Nevin wasn’t impressed by both goalkeeper’s performances; speaking to BBC, he said:

“All of a sudden, Arsenal have a lifeline. The Chelsea keeper is at fault there, but both keepers have been bad today. It was a great finish. He went for it the first time, and it worked.”

Pat Nevin highlights Robert Sanchez whose bad pass led to Arsenal's comeback against Chelsea. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
David Raya had a poor outing against Chelsea. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

We were more formidable and had control of the game. Arsenal were completely lost and unable to break the deadlock and we also minimised the danger inside our box which gave them a little chance to respond.

But it was that pass from the former Brighton & Hove Albion player that gave the Gunners hope for their revival. But this tie should give us encouragement because we weren’t expecting the Blues to play so well, especially against a team that had just beaten Manchester City before the international break.

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We appear to be gradually regaining our best form. There will undoubtedly be setbacks, but we must remain patient and support Mauricio Pochettino’s vision. Hopefully, Sanchez will not let the mistake affect him and will continue to be a rock at the back for us.