Mikel: Chelsea Can’t Win Titles with Sanchez in Goal

Mikel Obi has delivered a fierce verdict on Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation, insisting the club cannot hope to win the Premier League with Robert Sanchez as their first choice.

Sanchez, signed from Brighton for £25 million in 2023, has made 98 appearances for the Blues but his form has been erratic.

Though he impressed during Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph last summer, earning the Golden Gloves award, his recent displays have raised fresh doubts, particularly in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal where he was caught out for both goals from corners.

Reflecting on the performance on The Obi Wan Podcast, Mikel was blunt: ‘If you asked me now if I see Chelsea winning the Premier League in the next two or three years… absolutely not! Absolutely not.

‘I don’t see us winning the title in the next two or three years, not to even talk about the goalkeeper that we have. So many times, we’ve talked about it. And not just me, every f—ing pundit all around the f—ing world knows that, yes, he does make saves here and there and sometimes you forget about it. But no, to win a title, to win Premier Leagues, you need a dependable goalkeeper.’

Mikel argued that Chelsea must upgrade their options if they are to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City.

‘Look at the top two teams right now in the Premier League: Donnarumma, the saves that he makes, ridiculous saves… and David Raya, Arsenal wouldn’t be where they are today without him, mark my words.

‘David Raya, my word, the saves that he makes… absolutely brilliant, absolutely superb goalkeeper and he’s only getting better. Week in, week out I watch David Raya and he’s getting better and better, better and better.

‘You need a top, top goalkeeper to win titles and right now, Chelsea Football Club, we do not have a top goalkeeper to go out there and compete to win the Premier League. We do not have that.’