Robert Sanchez has cost Chelsea once again, and is very lucky his team have been good at the other end.
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Chelsea are 2-1 up against Fulham after the first half against Fulham at Craven Cottage, but it could have been very different.
The Blues took the lead within 30 seconds with a superb Cole Palmer assist to Joao Pedro, and after that there were a few chances for Xabi Alonso’s team to extend their lead.
But just as they got comfortable, the same old villain returned. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez looked nervy on the ball, spreading panic though the defence as usual.
Not long after that he was beaten at his near post as Fulham equalised. According to xG, that would have been saved in 97% of instances – not with Rob around. For a while the team were shaken, and the keeper is fortunate that the attack is in good enough shape to score another before the break.
A goalkeeper would be expected to save this 97% of the time, according to xGOT. pic.twitter.com/Hk5M9pBDcZ
— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) August 24, 2026
Sanchez costs Chelsea with mistake and nervy play
It’s not good enough, and it’s another warning sign that we could be in for a very long season.
Gary Neville has just said on Sky Sports commentary that the Spaniard “undermines” Chelsea, which is the best way of describing it. No matter how well the team is doing, if you can’t rely on your goalkeeper you won’t get anywhere.
Let’s hope this inspires some changes – it’s still not too late to save ourselves.
In other news…
Two players we were expected to be in the team tonight were left out – and Xabi Alonso has explained why.
This was a very different team to the one we were expecting, which we outlined here.
