Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterRobert Sanchezs position as Chelseas starting goalkeeper is under genuine threat following a lapse in the opening game of the Premier League season against Fulham.In conceding Josh King's first half strike, Sanchez was caught short on what should have been a routine save.According to FotMob, Kings effort registered 0.07 xG (Expected Goals) and 0.07 xGOT (Expected Goals on Target), which indicates that 93 times out of 100, the average top-flight goalkeeper would be expected to save it.Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has some thinking to do in the goalkeeper positionAllowing such an effort to sneak into the net handed the hosts an equaliser and brought back to the surface some uncomfortable questions regarding the Spanish stopper's overall reliability.This was hardly an isolated incident, either; Sanchez has committed the occasional high-profile error throughout his Chelsea spell, often leading directly to goals. You may like Xabi Alonso frustrated by Chelsea blow as transfer decision made Chelsea player asks to leave Stamford Bridge after European failure: report Can Xabi Alonso turn the Premier League's greatest financial underachievers into champions? Chelsea 2026-2027 season preview Last season, he was temporarily dropped in favour of Filip Jorgensen during the early months of Liam Roseniors tenure.Now, with Xabi Alonso occupying the Stamford Bridge dugout, Sanchez faces a threat to his standing as Chelsea No. 1 and must once again prove himself to another manager.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Alonso may come to the conclusion that Sanchez lacks the composure required to serve as undisputed first-choice based on his Fulham display.What makes Sanchezs position more precarious is the evolution of Chelseas dressing room dynamic. Previously, at 28 years old, he held unique status as the eldest member of the first-team squad.Twelve months on, that dynamic has shifted as the group is collectively a year older, and Alonsos summer business saw Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck arrive.With two decorated elder statesmen now in the building, Chelsea no longer depend on Sanchez, to the same extent, to provide leadership from between the posts.Meanwhile, a very real competitive alternative has emerged in the form of Mike Penders. Returning from his loan spell at Strasbourg, the young Belgian stopper delivered performances statistically right on par with expectations while showcasing composure with the ball at his feet.Given that distribution was always considered one of Sanchezs primary strengths, Penders matches his elder counterpart while potentially offering greater long-term upside.TOPICSChelseaPremier LeagueJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
