Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be fuming following his side’s loss to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Maresca saw Chelsea take the lead before half-time through a very bizarre Joao Pedro goal.
However, Ollie Watkins cancelled it out before scoring Villa’s winning goal in the 84th minute. It was some collapse by Chelsea after dominating their opponents for most of the game.
Chelsea drop a huge three points 😑
What has disappointed you most about the performance?
Chelsea lose to Aston Villa
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
However, there is at least one positive that Maresca can take from the defeat if he wants to be an optimist.
Chelsea's Spanish goalkeeper #01 Robert Sanchez gestures to players
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Robert Sanchez proves he’s one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League
In the second half, Robert Sanchez made an unfortunate error that involved him handling the ball outside of his box. Other than that, though, he was flawless.
Ultimately, after another solid performance, it is now fair to say that Sanchez is one of the best goalkeepers in England.
Against Villa, he made a total of six saves, according to Sofascore. Five of his saves came from inside the box, so his shot-stopping was on point once again.
How do you feel about the decision not to penalise Ian Maatsen? 🤔
“The referee’s call of no penalty to Chelsea was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Maatsen’s arm was in a justifiable position.”
Premier League Match Centre on why Chelsea were not awarded a penalty in Aston Villa defeat
Pedro Neto of Chelsea is challenged by Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa
Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
He also made one high claim and prevented 0.85 xG. All in all, Sanchez did his job, in contrast to Chelsea’s attackers.
The Blues’ frontline had plenty of opportunities to put the game to bed but failed to.
Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, looks on from the stands
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea don’t need to sign new goalkeeper in 2026
Sanchez is proving that he can be Chelsea’s No.1, but his form is not the only reason why the Blues do not need to rush into buying another shot-stopper.
Filip Jorgensen could leave at some point, but the talented Mike Penders is waiting in the wings. Once he departs, the Belgian could easily come in and take his place.
Looking at where Chelsea currently are, Sanchez and Penders should suffice, especially if the former can maintain the level he is currently playing at.
Centre-back and up front are probably areas that the club should be more concerned about at this moment in time.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox