Chelsea Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez Under Fire Ahead of Crystal Palace Opener
Chelsea’s preparations for the new Premier League season have been overshadowed by fresh doubts over first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, after former Watford captain Troy Deeney tore into the Spaniard’s recent performances.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney slammed Sanchez’s positioning in a goal conceded against AC Milan during pre-season, insisting it was the kind of error that “should never happen at this level.” The criticism follows a Premier League campaign in which Sanchez committed more mistakes leading directly to goals than any other player (five), and arrives just days before Chelsea host Crystal Palace in their season opener.
Sanchez, signed from Brighton in 2023, has had a turbulent time at Stamford Bridge. While he shone at the Club World Cup — keeping a clean sheet in the 3-0 final win over PSG — his domestic form has been riddled with errors, from a fumbled corner against Wolves to a panicked pass straight to Brighton’s attackers.
Manager Enzo Maresca has publicly backed Sanchez but admits the 26-year-old “must improve” if he’s to keep his place. That faith has already been tested this year, with summer signing Filip Jorgensen stepping in for two games after Sanchez’s ill-judged charge out of goal gifted Erling Haaland a simple finish in a 3-1 loss to Manchester City.
Chelsea’s decision not to sign a big-name replacement — passing on AC Milan’s Mike Maignan over a £20m fee — has left Sanchez as the de facto No. 1. But with Jorgensen impressing in cup appearances and Maresca willing to rotate, another costly mistake could see the gloves change hands quickly.
For now, all eyes are on Selhurst Park. Sanchez has a chance to quieten his critics and cement his spot — but one more lapse could reignite calls for change in a position that could define Chelsea’s season.
