EPL: ‘You Can’t Win Anything With Him In Your Starting XI’ – Agbonlahor Warns Alonso Over Chelsea Star

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has warned Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso that the club’s chances of winning the Premier League are reduced as long as Robert Sanchez remains their first-choice goalkeeper.

The Spanish goalkeeper is currently in his fourth season at Stamford Bridge after joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023.

Agbonlahor spoke about Chelsea’s goalkeeping problems on talkSPORT after their Premier League match against Fulham. He criticised Sanchez’s performance and revealed that his son was laughing at the goals the goalkeeper conceded during the game.

“Chelsea will not compete for the Premier League title with Sanchez in goal. It’s perplexing, even like last season.

“My children were laughing at Sanchez, with my son asking, ‘Dad, what on earth is wrong with him?’ It’s ridiculous because he’s attempting to creep in, looking for a cross, but that’s not your responsibility.

“If the cross is delivered, Josh King, your defence is there for that. He is trying to sneak and sort of cheat. Just remain in your goal,” he stated.

Chelsea conceded two goals against Fulham after mistakes from Sanchez, although only one was officially recorded as an error leading directly to a goal. The 28-year-old made four saves but looked uncomfortable throughout the match.

Sanchez remains one of the most debated players in Alonso’s squad, with many Chelsea supporters and analysts believing he should not be in the starting lineup.

Despite the criticism, several coaches have continued to trust him as Chelsea’s main goalkeeper, allowing him to keep his place in the team.

However, Mike Penders is set to make his Chelsea debut against Luton in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday evening. Alonso is expected to make several changes for the match.

Penders spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Strasbourg, where his performances helped him earn a place in Belgium’s FIFA World Cup squad. He featured twice during pre-season, coming on as a substitute in both games.

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Chelsea signed Penders in the summer of 2024 and allowed him to stay at Genk for the 2024-25 season before returning to the club for the FIFA Club World Cup last summer.

The young goalkeeper will hope to impress against Luton and challenge for the No. 1 position at Stamford Bridge.