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Arsenal legend Ian Wright singled out Robert Sanchez and Christopher Nkunku for criticism following Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Mikel Merino’s 20th-minute header proved decisive as Enzo Maresca’s side fell to their third defeat in five Premier League games. The Spanish midfielder capitalised on a lapse in Chelsea’s defensive setup, flicking Martin Ødegaard’s header over goalkeeper Sanchez.

Wright, speaking on Premier League Productions, pointed to Nkunku’s failure to maintain his position at the near post as a key factor in Arsenal’s goal.

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“It’s a great header, but you have to look at Nkunku’s attention to detail,” Wright said. “The manager has put him there for a reason. That’s cost them the game. Merino’s movement is great, but he can only score because Nkunku doesn’t do his job.”

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Sanchez, who recently regained his spot as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, was also at fault for Arsenal’s winner, according to Wright.

Ian Wright added: “He shouldn’t be there. He needs to be back on his line. It was strange. He’s got space but got involved with an Arsenal player. He probably would have caught it if he was positioned correctly. It’s such poor goalkeeping at this level—not good enough.”

Reflecting on Chelsea’s overall performance, Wright suggested the absence of key attackers such as Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke left them looking flat in attack.

“They missed Palmer today. They looked very tepid without him, Jackson, and Madueke,” Wright said. “It’s a whole different game for Arsenal if those three are playing. Arsenal won, which is great, but I wanted a bit more from Chelsea—they were so poor today.”

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