Credit: Imago/Sky Sports

Chris Smith

Fri 22 August 2025 21:59, UK

Chelsea fans have vented their anger against goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for his role in West Ham’s opening goal on Friday evening.

'Rip him apart' - Liverpool fans all say the same about Joe Gomez for Newcastle grudge match	Alan Shearer lets rip at Alexander Isak: Newcastle legend hits out at wantaway star's 'nonsensical' Instagram bombshell and offers him career advice after transfer saga took ugly turn: 'It's a f***ing MESS'	Divock Origi set to rip up contract after spending entire year with the reserves

The Blues faced adversity before a ball was even kicked at the London Stadium, with Cole Palmer withdrawing from the match through injury ahead of their 5-1 win over the Hammers.

But things quickly got worse as West Ham took the lead after just six minutes, with Lucas Paqueta unleashing a thunderbolt from just outside the box.

Despite the powerful nature of the effort, questions were immediately asked of Chelsea stopper Sanchez.

Paqueta’s effort was worth just 0.01 xG and 0.07 xGOT, according to FotMob.

Sanchez immediately came under fire from Sky Sports commentator and former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, who felt the Spaniard should have done better with the shot.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

“It’s a bolt from the blue!” said Smith, adding: “It opened up for him, but you are asking how has that beaten Sanchez.

The goalkeeper should have done better.”

Smith wasn’t the only one to criticise Sanchez, though, with the Chelsea fanbase unleashing their fury against the goalkeeper on social media.

Football Insider verdict

Sanchez certainly didn’t cover himself in glory on Paqueta’s goal, and he didn’t do much better with Niclas Fullkrug’s effort just 11 minutes later — but was luckily saved by VAR spotting an offside in the build-up.

But it wasn’t just VAR bailing Sanchez out, with the goalkeeper sure to be thanking his outfield teammates for their stunning comeback efforts.

The Blues were level just 11 minutes after conceding, with Joao Pedro applying a fine headed finish to a corner.

And after surviving that disallowed goal, Chelsea pushed themselves ahead, with Joao Pedro turning provider for Pedro Neto, delivering a perfect ball to the far post to set up an easy finish for the Portugal international.

Enzo Maresca’s men continued to turn the screw from there and on 34 minutes, put daylight between themselves and their London rivals, with Estevao — replacing Palmer in the starting line-up — doing brilliantly down the right flank and setting up an easy finish for Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea ended up winning 5-1 in a one-sided contest at the London Stadium.

“Potter’s West Ham are helpless to resist!

They can’t get close,” said Smith.

At the other end, Sanchez will have been quietly breathing a sigh of relief — especially having already drawn the ire of the Chelsea fans against Crystal Palace last week.

Related Posts


For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.