“If he’s serious about keeping his team in the top six he needs to stop the nonsensical support of several players especially the current keeper. That mistake just exposed that the keeper is not doing his job” – This is according to Michael Owen as he declares that Enzo Maresca’s Unjustifiable Support for Robert Sanchez Needs to Stop
The last time Chelsea managed to defeat Manchester City was in the 2021 Champions League final, where a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Porto earned them the prestigious European title. Fast forward to their recent encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Chelsea initially appeared to have the upper hand when they took an early lead within the first two minutes. However, their inability to capitalize on this advantage, combined with recurring defensive errors, ultimately led to their undoing. The spotlight once again fell on manager Enzo Maresca’s decision to persist with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, whose performance continues to raise serious questions.
Sanchez, already under fire for a costly mistake against Wolves earlier in the week, was at the center of controversy once more during this match. His poor judgment was on full display when he rushed out of his penalty area in a desperate attempt to intercept Erling Haaland. The move backfired disastrously, as Sanchez found himself stranded, leaving Haaland free to chip the ball into an open net. Meanwhile, Trevor Chalobah struggled to contain the Norwegian striker, and Sanchez’s hesitation sealed the team’s fate, allowing Manchester City to gain control of the game.
Maresca’s Loyalty to Sanchez Sparks Debate
In his pre-match comments, Enzo Maresca offered only tepid support for Robert Sanchez, stating that the Spanish goalkeeper remained his first choice for the moment, though he hinted at potential changes down the line. However, Maresca’s acknowledgment that Sanchez is “far, far, far from where I want him to be” has done little to inspire confidence. At 27 years old, Sanchez has yet to show the consistent reliability Chelsea desperately need in such a critical position, raising concerns about his long-term suitability.
With the summer transfer window on the horizon, the prospect of reinforcements seems inevitable. However, the question remains: how much more damage could be inflicted on Chelsea’s season before any significant changes are made? The team’s hopes of securing a top-four finish are fading fast. As Newcastle United and Bournemouth continue their impressive runs of form, Chelsea now finds itself slipping to sixth place, with qualification for the Champions League looking increasingly unlikely.
Urgent Action Required in Chelsea’s Goalkeeping Department
At this stage, it may be time to take a risk with Filip Jorgensen, despite his inconsistent track record. Another option would be to explore the remaining days of the transfer market to secure a more dependable goalkeeper. Manchester City have already taken proactive steps in the transfer window to strengthen their squad, and Chelsea would do well to follow suit. With only one win in their last seven matches, a fresh injection of talent might be the spark needed to turn things around.
Defensive Fragility and Tactical Missteps
Chelsea’s defensive woes were glaring throughout the match, exposing vulnerabilities that Manchester City were quick to exploit. Despite expectations that City might still be reeling from their recent Champions League loss in Paris, they showed no signs of hesitation. Chelsea’s high defensive line, combined with insufficient pressure on the ball, left Reece James and Marc Cucurella exposed to relentless attacks from City’s offensive unit.
City’s first goal was a product of effective teamwork between Matheus Nunes and Joško Gvardiol, but it also highlighted Chelsea’s defensive lapses. Noni Madueke’s failure to track back and provide defensive support was a significant factor in the goal. Earlier, Robert Sanchez narrowly avoided another disaster when he fumbled a routine save into the path of Omar Marmoush, who scored—only for the goal to be ruled offside. Had Marmoush left the ball for an oncoming Bernardo Silva, the goal would have stood, further emphasizing Sanchez’s shaky form.
City’s Direct Strategy Exposes Chelsea’s Weaknesses
Manchester City eventually adopted a more direct approach, utilizing Erling Haaland’s physicality to devastating effect. Haaland not only scored City’s second goal but also shrugged off Levi Colwill to assist Phil Foden for their third, sealing a 3-1 victory.
For Pep Guardiola and his team, this performance was a clear statement of intent, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. For Chelsea, it served as a sobering reminder of their ongoing struggles. If Enzo Maresca is to salvage anything from this season, he must make a bold and decisive choice: it is time to replace Robert Sanchez and address the team’s glaring defensive issues.
