Enzo Maresca has defended Robert Sanchez after his mistake during Chelsea's 3-1 win over Wolves and insisted the goalkeeper has saved the Blues more often than not.
The Blues recorded their first win in six Premier League games as they edged Newcastle United and Manchester City to return to the Premier League's top four.
After Tosin Adarabioyo broke the deadlock, Maresca's side were put back in first-half stoppage time when Sánchez spilled Matheus Cunha's corner, allowing Matt Doherty to pounce on the loose ball and poke home the equalizer.
It was the former Brighton goalkeeper's fourth mistake that led to a goal in the Premier League this season, with only Ipswich Town's Arijanet Muric (five) recording more.
Nevertheless, Sánchez retains the full confidence of the Blues head coach.
“You said it was the fourth foul [leading to a goal]? How many times has he saved us? More than four, so no problem,” Maresca told Sky Sports. “It happens. Mistakes happen to him, the attackers, the midfielders. He's doing well.”
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On the win, he added: “In the last five games we haven't won, but I've often said the performance was there. We created a lot of chances but didn't score. Tonight we finally scored and got three.” goals.
“We were top in the first forty minutes. The performance was excellent and we dominated the game. We scored and created many more chances.
'And then in the last five minutes [of the first half]what happened in the last five games happened again. Wolves had a bit of confidence and achieved their goal, and then we started to struggle a bit.
“[In the] In the second half we started quite well and after the second and third goals we were in control.”
Meanwhile, Wolves remain 17th and only outside the relegation zone on goal difference after a third successive defeat.
And head coach Vitor Pereira insists his side need to improve their “tactical maturity”.
“We faced a strong team with players who can create chances one-on-one. We didn't start the match the way I like. We defended too much in the low block.
“We conceded two goals from set pieces, and one goal we cannot allow. We need to improve tactical maturity.
“The worst moment of our game is when we defend in the final third. When we defend in front of our penalty area it is a problem for us.”
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