Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Robert Sanchez has come in for criticism from several pundits (Picture: Getty)
Tim Sherwood admitted that Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez proved him wrong with his impressive performance against Brentford on Sunday.
Enzo Maresca’s side strengthened their Premier League title credentials with a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge which has put them two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Goals either side of half-time from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson were enough for the home side despite Bryan Mbuemo’s late strike.
Sunday was also an impressive evening for Sanchez who made a number of key saves to deny the visitors when they came on strong in the second half in search of a way back into the game.
The Spaniard has faced criticism from many pundits throughout the start of the season, with many suggesting he represents the one weak point within Chelsea’s otherwise deep squad.
Sherwood, himself, has been critical of the 27-year-old but admitted he may have turned a corner after this weekend’s display.
‘Sanchez stood up when he was needed today,’ the former Tottenham boss told Premier League Productions. ‘I’ve been critical of him and said they need a better goalkeeper to win the Premier League.
Chelsea FC v Brentford FC - Premier League
Robert Sanchez made a number of superb saves against Brentford (Picture: Getty)
‘But if he keeps performing like he did today, I’ll have to eat my words.’
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given was equally impressed with Sanchez’s display.
‘He’s made some mistakes this season don’t get me wrong but the credit he should get should be equal because he’s made some great saves today,’ he said on Match of the Day 2.
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And despite calls to give summer signing Filip Jorgensen a chance in the league, Maresca instead was at pains to point out Sanchez’s other matchwinning contributions throughout the season.
‘If you remember, Bournemouth away, the penalty, against Aston Villa one-v-one against [Ollie] Watkins and Nottingham Forest at the end of the game, the save,’ the Chelsea boss said at full-time.
‘Tonight, the save. We are happy with Robert, sometimes when we say things, you struggle to believe.
‘But Robert is doing fantastic, Filip [Jorgensen] is doing exactly the same in the Conference League. This is what we want; two goalkeepers that can compete and help us win games.’
Chelsea host Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League on Thursday before they visit Everton on Sunday. A win would put them top of the table before Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham later that day.
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