Chelsea fans were left extremely frustrated as they fell to defeat at the Emirates as the Blues lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the London derby.
A Mikel Merino header was the difference between the two sides in a low-quality affair, with Chelsea clearly lacking the presence of Cole Palmer after he was not available due to injury.
Chelsea supporters were unhappy with Maresca due to how long he took to make substitutions at the Emirates, however the manager will point to a lack of attacking options with Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson also absent.
One selection that was expected was the return of Robert Sanchez between the sticks. Maresca confirmed Sanchez would start in his press conference in the week.
Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca’s verdict on Robert Sanchez’s performance vs Arsenal
The Spaniard did little to prove to supporters that he was going to be the assured presence they require between the sticks in their quest to qualify for the Champions League for next season.
Sanchez was nervy in possession, giving up a great chance due to his poor passing early on, and other than a top save to deny Merino a second, didn’t convince with his fundamentals either.
This did not stop Maresca saying he was pleased with the performance of his goalkeeper in the defeat in North London.
He said: “I’ve been quite clear with the situation, with goalkeepers we are quite happy with them both, and today Robert was good.”
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John Obi Mikel has been a frequent critic of the number one, recently saying Chelsea couldn’t win the league with Sanchez in goal.
Photo by Harry Murphy - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Harry Murphy – Danehouse/Getty Images
Chelsea’s summer goalkeeper plan
Despite refusing to criticise either Sanchez or Filip Jorgensen throughout this campaign, it seems Maresca is not convinced by the options he has available to him going forwards.
It has been reported that Maresca is demanding a new goalkeeper in the summer, with an impotence put on them being comfortable with the ball at their feet.
This is largely why Djordje Petrovic left the club in the summer on loan, however his performances have gone some way to proving Chelsea were naive in the decision.
Petrovic has a chance of returning at Chelsea, however the Blues will be monitoring the market to see if a better option presents itself to them.