"Chelsea Players Are Scared of Their Own Goalkeeper" – Ian Wright Slams Robert Sanchez
Ian Wright criticizes Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, claiming his mistakes are affecting the team's confidence and performance.
Chelsea’s struggles in the Premier League continue, and confidence in the squad seems to be at an all-time low. One major concern for the team is goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has made several costly mistakes this season. According to former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, Sanchez’s performances are not only hurting Chelsea but also scaring his own teammates.
Speaking on The Kelly and Wrighty Show, Ian Wright openly criticized Sanchez, claiming that Chelsea’s defenders do not feel secure with him in goal. The former Brighton Goalkeeper was signed for £25 million, but his performances have not lived up to expectations.
Wright explained that when players don’t trust their goalkeeper, it affects their confidence in every match. He believes that Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League are slipping away because of their problems at the back.
“There’s no way you can be confident playing in front of that goalkeeper,” Wright said. “If I’m Newcastle, Bournemouth, or Brighton, this is the best chance you will have because I don’t think Chelsea will make it.”
He also pointed out how Sanchez’s errors have a demoralizing effect on the team. “You have a goalkeeper you’re scared of. You don’t know if he’ll let one in or make a mistake. Then, if your strikers aren’t scoring, it just makes things worse.”
The situation becomes even more frustrating when you compare Sanchez’s form with Chelsea’s other goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is currently on loan at Bournemouth.
| Kepa Arrizabalaga 1 | Robert Sanchez | |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Games | 23 |
| 29 | Goals conceded | 28 |
| 5 | Clean sheets | 5 |
| 23% | Clean sheet percentage | 22% |
| 72.4% | Save percentage | 73.3% |
| 1 | Errors leading to goals | 5 |
Kepa has been performing well for The Cherries, helping them climb the table with some solid performances. Statistically, he has been better than Sanchez in almost every aspect—keeping more clean sheets and making fewer errors.
Chelsea might have thought they were moving forward by replacing Kepa with Sanchez, but Wright suggests that they may need to go back and reinstate Kepa as their number one goalkeeper next season.
Chelsea’s chances of finishing in the top four seem small due to their defensive struggles and lack of goals in attack. If Sanchez’s struggles continue, Enzo Maresca may be forced to search for another goalkeeper.
