Xabi Alonso backs Robert Sanchez after Fulham exposes errors

Xabi Alonso's first Premier League outing in charge of Chelsea ended in victory, but it also reignited scrutiny over Robert Sanchez's reliability between the posts. The Blues edged Fulham 3-2 in a back-and-forth encounter at Craven Cottage, though the Spanish goalkeeper was directly involved in two mistakes that nearly derailed the result. After the final whistle, Alonso publicly stood by his keeper, even as leading pundits called for an urgent change in goal.

• Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso's first Premier League match in charge.
• Robert Sanchez made two errors that allowed Fulham to level the score twice.
• Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and £117m signing Morgan Rogers all scored for the Blues.
• Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville publicly called for Chelsea to replace their goalkeeper.
• Alonso avoided criticising Sanchez, asking for patience while the team settles into his methods.

An attacking debut undermined by defensive frailty

Alonso's new project at Stamford Bridge kicked off with a clearly attack-minded approach. The front three of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and summer arrival Morgan Rogers, signed for £117m, looked sharp in combination, with all three getting on the scoresheet at Craven Cottage. Yet that offensive display was overshadowed by defensive lapses that a determined Fulham side was quick to exploit throughout the game.

The two Robert Sanchez mistakes reigniting the debate

The first warning sign came shortly after Pedro's opener, when Josh King levelled with a tight-angle strike that Sanchez, under normal circumstances, would be expected to keep out. The second slip was even more glaring: the Spaniard failed to hold onto a Timothy Castagne shot in the second half, spilling the ball straight into the path of Gonzalo Garcia, who tucked away the rebound without hesitation. Despite those scares, Chelsea managed to hold on for a narrow 3-2 win.

Alonso's defence of his goalkeeper

Asked about Sanchez's performance, Alonso declined to single anyone out, framing the incidents as part of a new team finding its footing under a new manager. He acknowledged the opening goal conceded could have been prevented but insisted such lessons are easier to absorb when they come alongside a positive result.

"It's not about talking about individuals or their situations, it's about understanding what it takes. For sure, we could have done better on the first goal, but it's a process. It's day one, and it's normally easier to learn when you win," Alonso said.

The coach added that winning away from home requires grit and defensive discipline, something his side will need to sharpen going forward, though he was ultimately satisfied with the overall outcome of his opening match.

Carragher and Neville: "It will haunt them this season"

The post-match television analysis was far less forgiving than Alonso's stance. Jamie Carragher was blunt in pointing out that goalkeeping remains an unresolved issue that could cost Chelsea dearly over the course of the campaign, reiterating a view he has held for several seasons regarding Sanchez's suitability for a title-chasing side.

"Chelsea will never win the league with Sanchez in goal - it's impossible. Look at the last three champions: City brought in Ederson, Liverpool signed Alisson, and Arsenal don't win it with Ramsdale instead of Raya," Carragher said on Sky Sports.

Gary Neville echoed the sentiment, suggesting Chelsea should pursue a more experienced goalkeeper, floating Emiliano Martinez as a possible name, though without confirming any concrete availability.

"You cannot take a chance with a goalkeeper. It's the toughest position on the pitch and the one under most scrutiny. If your keeper is making mistakes and looks anxious, it undermines everything else you're trying to build," Neville warned.

What's at stake for Chelsea's title hopes

Beyond the result at Craven Cottage, this debate touches on a structural issue for Chelsea's ambitions this season. The last three Premier League champions - Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal - all upgraded their goalkeeping situation before making a genuine push for the title. If Alonso's project is to compete at that level, the January transfer window could become a decisive moment for deciding whether Sanchez remains the club's No.1 or whether Chelsea look elsewhere for greater reliability between the posts.