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There was an overriding sense of frustration from Chelsea fans as a result of their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, and not just because of another red card.
Pedro Neto was the latest to join the list of Blues players whose sending offs have had an effect on their side’s ability to pick up points in huge games.
There was annoyance though that no one really grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck in attack. Reece James was tremendous, but no one else in the squad reached his level.
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Paul Scholes frustrated at Chelsea’s use of Robert Sanchez during defeat to Arsenal
The Blues frequently found themselves in trouble when looking to play out the back through Robert Sanchez, and Paul Scholes found this the most frustrating part of watching Chelsea at the Emirates.
He said on ‘The Good, The Bad and The Football‘: “What I took from that game is the most frustrating thing, was Chelsea.
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“Even before that (the red card) , probably the first half, when they try to play out from the back all the time, they keep giving the ball to the goalkeeper.
“Now, I was thinking when me and Nicky was playing, that’s the last thing, now look, the game has changed, don’t get me wrong, but the last thing we ever did was, or was ever told to do, was pass the ball back to the goalkeeper. They kept doing it, doing it, doing it.”
Sanchez has enjoyed a much-improved season between the sticks at Stamford Bridge, however until this game that had coincided with him being given more licence to go long when the ball is at his feet.
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Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images Set-pieces continue to frustrate Chelsea fans
Everyone is aware of how strong Arsenal are from set-pieces, and they scored from another two against Chelsea at the weekend.
Chelsea set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva couldn’t hide his anger during the game, but at the end of the day this is a problem which falls under his remit.
Liam Rosenior has admitted he has had to take a more active role in set-piece coaching, likely taking time away from him getting his more general message across to the players.
At the same time, Chelsea’s run of scoring from set-pieces has dried up. Their goal against Arsenal was just their second in 2026.
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