Former Aston Villa striker, Gabriel Agbonlahor has warned Chelsea that their chances of winning the Premier League are diminished as long as Robert Sanchez remains their first-choice goalkeeper.
The Spanish player is entering his fourth season at Stamford Bridge, having transferred from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023.
Agbonlahor discussed Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation on talkSPORT following their match against Fulham.
He mentioned that his son was laughing at the goals conceded by the Spanish goalkeeper during the game against Fulham.
“Chelsea will not compete for the Premier League title with Sanchez in goal. It’s perplexing, even like last season.
“My children were laughing at Sanchez, with my son asking, ‘Dad, what on earth is wrong with him?’ It’s ridiculous because he’s attempting to creep in, looking for a cross, but that’s not your responsibility.
“If the cross is delivered, Josh King, your defence is there for that. He is trying to sneak and sort of cheat. Just remain in your goal,” he stated.
Chelsea conceded two goals due to errors made by Sanchez, although only one was officially classified as a mistake leading to a goal. The 28-year-old made four saves during the match but appeared unsteady in goal for the Blues.
Sanchez is among the most discussed players in Xabi Alonso’s squad, with the majority of fans and analysts agreeing that he should not be part of the Blues’ starting XI.
He seems to have convinced several coaches that he is good enough to start at Stamford Bridge and continues to retain his position in goal.
However, Mike Penders is poised to make his Chelsea debut against Luton.
The Blues will take on the League One team in their second-round match on Thursday evening, and Alonso is likely to rotate his squad.
Penders spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Strasbourg, from where he earned a place in Belgium’s FIFA World Cup squad. He played twice in pre-season, coming off the bench on both occasions for the Blues.
Chelsea signed Penders in the summer of 2024 and allowed him to remain at Genk for the 2024-25 season before he returned to Chelsea for the FIFA Club World Cup last summer.
He will hope to make a good impression against Luton and possibly push for the No. 1 shirt at Stamford Bridge.