{"id":2118,"date":"2026-08-25T05:44:25","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T05:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2118"},"modified":"2026-08-25T05:44:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T05:44:25","slug":"xabi-alonso-makes-statement-on-robert-sanchez-after-chelseas-win-over-fulham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2118","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso makes statement on Robert Sanchez after Chelsea’s win over Fulham"},"content":{"rendered":"


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It\u2019s the first game of the new Premier League season and we\u2019re already talking about Robert Sanchez.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Robert Sanchez<\/a> delivered another mixed performance in Chelsea\u2019s 3\u20132 victory over Fulham. Despite pulling off the odd important save, Sanchez faced criticism for misjudging Josh King\u2019s shot<\/a> during Fulham\u2019s equalizer, as well as gifting the Cottagers a second. <\/p>\n

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The first lapse mirrored his erratic 2025\u201326 campaign, where brilliant displays were regularly undercut by errors and poor decision-making under pressure. <\/p>\n

With young Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders returning from his loan spell at Strasbourg to take his place on the bench, Sanchez faces serious pressure to retain his starting spot under new manager Xabi Alonso.<\/p>\n

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CHELSEA WIN: Xabi Alonso gets the win, but who impressed you most? \ud83d\udcc8<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Xabi Alonso defends Robert Sanchez\u2019s position<\/h2>\n

Speaking to Sky Sports after Chelsea<\/a>\u2018s win over Fulham, Xabi Alonso kept it short and sweet, basically telling everyone to calm down. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe first goal we can do better than that. But it\u2019s a process, it\u2019s day 1.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, Gary Neville wasn\u2019t so kind, as he suggested signing Emi Martinez from Aston Villa after the game, as well as offering his assessment on the Sanchez situation. <\/p>\n

\u201cHis job is to be successful for Chelsea and maybe he sticks with Robert Sanchez but I think he has to protect himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanchez made four saves, four high claims, completed seven of 24 long balls and 10 out of his 27 passes, so there are definitely improvements to be had.<\/p>\n

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