Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez faced fierce backlash from fans after his costly error gifted Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli a goal in Sunday’s Premier League 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
The Spanish goalkeeper has been struggling with form this season, prompting calls from supporters to bench him. However, head coach Enzo Maresca has continued to back Sanchez, naming him Chelsea’s No.1 goalkeeper.
Sanchez’s erratic start to the season continued against Arsenal, as Martinelli beat him at his near post to give the Gunners the lead. Although Pedro Neto equalised for Chelsea just ten minutes later, fans took to social media to express their frustration.
“Certainly the worst keeper in our history,” tweeted @CfcSheikh, while @ImMayankB questioned whether Kepa Arrizabalaga was worse than Sanchez. Others, such as @CFCMods and @k_buckleyy, criticised Sanchez’s consistent errors and called for a new starting goalkeeper.
Despite the outrage, Sanchez partially redeemed himself with a crucial save from Mikel Merino’s shot later in the match. Nevertheless, pressure mounts on Maresca to reassess Sanchez’s position in the starting lineup.
With a two-week break before Chelsea’s next match against Leicester City on November 23, Maresca has time to work on Sanchez’s game. However, fans’ patience wears thin, and the Italian’s loyalty to his underperforming goalkeeper will face increasing scrutiny.
Will Sanchez regain his form, or will Maresca be forced to seek alternative options? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Chelsea fans will be watching closely.
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