Southampton FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Southampton FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Fans took to X to heap praise on Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for his performance in the Blues' 0-0 draw with Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, December 22. Sanchez's efforts ensured Chelsea left Goodison Park with a clean sheet, and their unbeaten run in all competitions continued.
Enzo Maresca's men started on the front foot at Goodison Park, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by in the opening stages. They had an opportunity to open the scoring in the 26th minute through Nicolas Jackson, but the Senegalese striker was denied by Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford from close range.
Chelsea dominated the game in the first 45 minutes, but Everton also had their share of opportunities. The Toffees' Orel Mangala tested Robert Sanchez in the visitors' goal before halftime, forcing an excellent save from the Spaniard with a low 20-yard drive.
Trending
Sanchez did exceptionally well again after the restart as he spread himself wide to deny an unmarked Jack Harrison from close range. While Enzo Fernandez won the man of the match award, Sanchez also stood out for the Blues.
The Spaniard made four saves, completed two high claims and seven recoveries. After the match, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to gush over his performance.
An X user wrote:
''Top performance by Robert Sanchez today. It’s days like this where I appreciate what he brings to the team.''
Expand Tweet
Another tweeted:
''You have to give credit where it's due, Robert Sanchez did a phenomenal job today & ensured that we leave Goodison Park without losing with his 4 brilliant saves!''
Expand Tweet
Another user with compared Sanchez's heroics in the match with that of Blues' legend Petr Cech.
''This is a Robert Sanchez appreciation post'' @badboy_jerry wrote.
''Robert Sanchez the last two games btw has been genuinely incredible. He’s the best worst keeper I’ve ever seen.'' @Abz_UTC chimed in.
''Robert Sanchez is a top 3 best keeper in this league. Idc what anyone says.'' @MlrPaul2001 asserted.
"We are happy with Robert" - Enzo Maresca on Robert Sanchez's performance after Chelsea drop points at Everton
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was also pleased with Robert Sanchez's performance after his side were held to a goalless stalemate at Goodison Park. The Italian manager acknowledged that Sanchez made crucial saves in either half and said the latter is there to help them when they need him.
Maresca said (via Football London):
"I think Robert did one save first-half and then in the second-half, he did one more. So, overall, for sure, we are happy with Robert but overall, he is there to help us when we need him."
Robert Sanchez has kept four clean sheets for Chelsea in the Premier League this season and sits in the fifth position in the clean sheets charts.