Agbonlahor warns Chelsea: Sanchez in goal hurts Premier League title hopes
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has warned Chelsea that their Premier League title challenge is compromised as long as Robert Sanchez remains the first‑choice goalkeeper. Speaking on talkSPORT after Chelsea’s match against Fulham, Agbonlahor said his son was laughing at the goals conceded by the Spanish keeper, who is entering his fourth season at Stamford Bridge after joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in summer 2023.
He stated, "Chelsea will not compete for the Premier League title with Sanchez in goal. It’s perplexing, even like last season," and added that Sanchez’s tendency to leave his line to chase crosses is a mistake, leaving defenders exposed. Chelsea conceded two goals due to Sanchez’s errors, although only one was officially logged as a mistake leading to a goal; the 28‑year‑old made four saves but looked unsteady.
Agbonlahor noted that most fans and analysts believe Sanchez should not start, yet he has convinced coaches to keep him. Backup goalkeeper Mike Penders, who spent 2025‑26 on loan at Strasbourg and earned a Belgium World Cup call‑up, is set to make his Chelsea debut against League One Luton in a second‑round cup match on Thursday evening, with head coach Xabi Alonso likely to rotate the squad.
Will you, as a Chelsea supporter, trust Sanchez to deliver the silverware you want, or do you think it’s time to give Penders a chance between the sticks?