Enzo Maresca has made an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge, guiding Chelsea to second place in the Premier League and turning the Blues into a formidable attacking force.
With 35 goals in 15 league games, Chelsea currently boast the best offensive record in the league. However, the team’s defensive frailties, particularly in goal, remain a concern.
Former Newcastle, West Ham, and Bolton star Kevin Nolan believes goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is Chelsea’s “biggest problem” and that the Blues will need a new shot-stopper to truly compete at the highest level.
Nolan voiced his concerns on BBC Radio Five Live’s Football Daily Podcast, stating that Sanchez’s frequent errors could hinder Chelsea’s title ambitions. “The biggest problem I see with Chelsea at the moment is the goalkeeper,” Nolan said.
“He makes really bad mistakes, and if they’re going to be title contenders, then they need someone else. I think he was at fault for the first goal against Spurs.”
Sanchez, 27, has been Chelsea’s first-choice keeper under Maresca, starting 14 of their 15 Premier League matches. Despite his regular appearances, he has kept just three clean sheets, with notable performances against Bournemouth, West Ham, and Aston Villa. However, his lapses in key moments, including Spurs’ opener in a thrilling 4-3 victory, have drawn criticism.
Maresca has shown faith in the Spanish international, even after leaving him on the bench for the 5-1 victory over Southampton in favor of Filip Jorgensen. When asked about team selection ahead of the Tottenham clash, Maresca confidently stated: “That day we are going to play Sanchez and 10 players. The only one that is sure is Sanchez.”
Chelsea’s packed schedule continues with a Europa Conference League trip to Astana on Thursday, followed by a Premier League clash against Brentford on Sunday and another Conference League fixture against Shamrock Rovers next week.
While Chelsea have been entertaining and prolific in attack, their defensive vulnerabilities, highlighted by 18 goals conceded in 15 games, could prove costly. Nolan’s critique underscores the need for improvement at the back, with Sanchez’s form under increasing scrutiny as Chelsea push for success on multiple fronts.