Jamie Carragher has slammed Chelsea number one Robert Sanchez for his performance in their defeat at the hands of Liverpool on Sunday.
Chelsea could have announced themselves as serious contenders for the Premier League title with a win over Liverpool at Anfield. While they did have a decent outing and had their chances, the Blues ended up suffering a 2-1 defeat, with Robert Sanchez among the culprits.
Former Liverpool star and pundit Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea shot-stopper Sanchez’s poor performance was one of the major reasons for their downfall in this all-important clash, and he made his feeling known while speaking on Sky Sports.
Carragher blasts Sanchez for Liverpool’s second goal
Curtis Jones was the star of the evening for the Reds as he won the penalty for their opener and scored the winner in the second half. While Jones surely deserves all the plaudits, Carragher has criticised Sanchez for his role in the second goal. He feels the 26-year-old was at fault and had he been a bit more brave the result could have been different.
Carragher said via GOAL, “It’s so poor from Chelsea’s point. Reece James ambles in there. The goalkeeper is so poor. It was a poor touch from Curtis Jones really, and it’s poor from the goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.
“Sanchez has got to go and win that ball. Jones should be terrified that a goalkeeper is coming towards him. You have got to get there and hope it hits you in the face and you keep it out. Chelsea need a new goalkeeper if they want to get back to where they want to be.”
At the start of the second half, Nicolas Jackson had just scored the equaliser for the Blues and minutes later, they ended up conceding. Mohamed Salah delivered a ball into the box from the right flank towards Jones. While Reece James failed to deal with it, the Liverpool midfielder took a heavy touch which gave Robert Sanchez the chance to save the day for Chelsea but he failed.
The Spaniard was not quick off the blocks and more importantly, he did not look confident going in to claim the ball. Apart from his role in conceding the second goal, he almost gave away a penalty. Thanks to VAR, the decision was overturned as he barely got the ball. While he did get a touch, the manner in which he came out was strange. Gary Neville, on commentary, found the situation bizarre and openly remarked on it during the broadcast.
He said via Chelsea.News: “so messy… clumsy. It’s a really strange action from Sanchez to go like that, unnatural.”
Both Carragher and Neville were not really impressed with the Chelsea number one’s performances. The Liverpool legend even urged the Blues to sign a new shot-stopper. While they have taken significant steps under Enzo Maresca, they need a world-class keeper to continue their progress and restore themselves to their former heights.
