Chelsea kicked off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over West London neighbors Fulham. While the result marked the first time in four years that the Blues have secured three points on opening day, the match was overshadowed by significant criticism directed at goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The match began brightly for Xabi Alonso’s side, with Joao Pedro scoring just 31 seconds into the game following an assist from Cole Palmer. However, Fulham leveled the score in the 23rd minute when Josh King beat Sanchez at his near post—a goal many fans felt the goalkeeper should have easily prevented.
Chelsea regained the lead in the 41st minute through record signing Morgan Rogers, who converted a pass from Maxence Lacroix. Shortly after the break, in the 49th minute, Cole Palmer extended the lead to 3-1 after receiving a return pass from Joao Pedro. Despite the cushion, defensive errors persisted, and Fulham pulled another back in the 54th minute when Sanchez parried a shot directly into the path of debutant Gonzalo Garcia.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper’s performance drew sharp backlash on social media. Fans labeled his display an “absolute embarrassment” and urged the club to “just sell him.” Supporters expressed exhaustion with his recurring errors, with some questioning how he continues to retain his starting position under different managers.
Statistical analysis highlighted the goalkeeper’s struggles, as he completed only 37% of his passes and just 29% of his long-range attempts, failing to provide the necessary support for the team’s build-up play. Although he recorded four saves, his direct error leading to a goal left many calling for second-choice goalkeeper Mike Penders to be given an opportunity in the starting lineup.
The pressure on the position is mounting, especially after Xabi Alonso recently declined to confirm Sanchez as his undisputed first-choice, noting that selection would be dictated by on-pitch performance. Alonso, managing his first Premier League game against former teammate Alvaro Arbeloa, now faces a difficult decision regarding his goalkeeper following this shaky display.
Despite the defensive lapses and a series of nervy moments late in the game, Chelsea managed to hold onto their lead to claim a precious victory. The win serves as a positive start for Alonso’s tenure, though the scrutiny surrounding the goalkeeper position remains a significant point of contention for the fanbase. The report also notes that but it was another of their compatriots who made the biggest headlines, both Spaniards left a significant imprint on the game. The report also notes that with many believing that he should not be starting for a serious team, former Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has split opinions within the Chelsea fanbase and outside it. The report also notes that and the fans made sure to make their feelings known on X, he did not cover himself in glory at Craven Cottage. The report also notes that one fan admitted that they are done defending the 28-year-old after he gifted Fulham two goals in the game.
