Robert Sanchez was the top rated player for Chelsea according to FotMob this afternoon, and that seems fair enough to us.
Chelsea won 2-0 against Brentford, but in reality the Blues were poor. They had their goalie to thank for some massive saves which stopped this game going in a very different direction. It was never going to be easy for Sanchez today, buried under an avalanche of long throws and corners and constantly surrounded by Brentford bodies. But some big saves and some big claims under high balls were just what the doctor ordered.
The stats show he made 3 high claims, 6 saves, and prevented 0.6 xG on his own.
Sanchez makes amends for midweek mistakes
Robert Sanchez makes a second mistake against Arsenal.
Robert Sanchez makes a second mistake against Arsenal.
It was just what the Spaniard needed after a dodgy midweek. He messed up twice against Arsenal and was a major factor in the 3-2 defeat there.
New manager Liam Rosenior knows Sanchez well from their time together at Brighton, and he came out to defend his keeper in midweek. He will be delighted to see Sanchez make amends with a big performance today.
He’s had a good season overall – let’s hope that Arsenal game proves to the be exception, and that his form returns to where it was in the last few months.
In other news…
Liam Delap was only a sub today, but he made another good impact off the bench just by running around a bit. It’s pretty damning of his alternate, Joao Pedro, that that’s the case.
Chelsea have not been at their best today, but they look to have sealed a win with a penalty from Cole Palmer who made no mistake from the spot after Delap was brought down in the Brentford box. Let’s hope that’s the first step towards the attacking midfielder finding some form.
More Stories about Robert Sanchez
Liam Rosenior talks to the fourth official.
Alan Smith working for Sky Sports.