Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders has Chelsea supporters on social media talking following his side’s defeat to Lyon over the weekend.
Penders, who joined Strasbourg on loan from Chelsea during the summer, started in goal but was unable to prevent Liam Rosenior’s side from falling to a 2-1 defeat.
However, the 20-year-old did manage to make one big contribution, which did not go unnoticed.
Robert Sanchez has come under heavy fire since signing for Chelsea in 2023, but the Spaniard remains the team’s No.1.
Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders saving penalty
Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea fans want Mike Penders to be their No.1 after penalty save
After saving a penalty during Strasbourg’s loss to Lyon, plenty of Chelsea fans want to see Penders return to Stamford Bridge next season and replace Sanchez.
One Chelsea supporter wants Sanchez gone, posting on X: “Bring Penders to the Bridge and send Sanchez to France!”
Following Penders’ penalty save, another fan said: “Sanchez, your days are numbered.”
One Chelsea supporter is quite confident that Penders will have no trouble getting into Enzo Maresca’s team next term. “Mike Penders walks straight into this Chelsea team next season.”
Another Chelsea fan is adamant that the young Belgian has to be the first-choice goalkeeper in the 2026/27 campaign. “Next season he’s No.1 for us, I don’t care.”
One user on X said that they are “patiently waiting” for Penders’ return to the club.
Again, someone on the social media platform fired a warning to Sanchez: “Sanchez, your time is nearly up buddy.”
If Penders does return to Chelsea in 2026, there is no guarantee that Sanchez will leave. Filip Jorgensen was reportedly in demand over the summer, so the 23-year-old could always be sold instead.
Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders with head down
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Mike Penders’ numbers vs Lyon
Penders’ penalty save against Lyon is what will be remembered, but the Belgium Under-21 international had a good game overall.
As well as preventing Lyon from scoring from the spot, he also made two saves from inside the box and played seven accurate long balls.
Mike Penders vs Lyon Total
Minutes 90
Penalties faced (saved) 1 (1)
Total saves 2
Saves from inside box 2
Runs out (successful) 2 (2)
Long balls (accurate) 7/19 (37%)
Via Sofascore
At some point, Chelsea supporters are likely to get their wish. Penders will become the Blues’ first-choice goalkeeper one day, perhaps even next season if his Strasbourg loan proves to be a successful one. He is a loanee who will certainly be watched throughout the campaign.