Chelsea star singled out by Jamie Carragher after Liverpool loss – 'So poor'

Jamie Carragher has issued a call for Chelsea to sign a new goalkeeper following what he described as a ‘poor’ showing from Robert Sanchez against Liverpool.

The Blues succumbed to a close-fought 2-1 loss at Anfield on Sunday evening, with former Chelsea star Mohamed Salah opening the lead from the spot.

Chelsea clawed back an equaliser through Nicolas Jackson after the intervention of VAR, but Liverpool secured victory as Curtis Jones later found the net. However, Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, pointed the finger squarely at Chelsea’s number one, suggesting his time should be up at the club.

While working as a pundit for Sky Sports, Carragher remarked: “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.”

Chelsea’s afternoon could have descended further into disaster had Anfield’s VAR not spared Sanchez from conceding a penalty for a challenge on goalscorer Jones.

Carragher believes the Spanish keeper had a slice of fortune on his side, adding: “I think Chelsea are fortunate.”

Discussing a contentious decision, the commentator declared: “The second angle it looks like it’s not a penalty. I don’t think the goalkeeper gets enough of the ball. Getting a touch and completely taking someone out is not enough. I think Chelsea are very fortunate.”

Despite Carragher’s harsh words about Sanchez’s performance, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was more lenient, offering support to his keeper post-match by saying: “I’m very happy with Robert, he’s doing fantastic with us. Not only in building from the back but also making saves.”

Sanchez will be keen to brush off recent criticisms and regain top form this week. The Blues face a match against Greek club Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday before taking on Newcastle.

Sanchez, now 26 years old, was signed from Brighton in 2023 and to date has played for Chelsea across various competitions 29 times, boasting seven clean sheets to his name.