John Obi Mikel identifies the Chelsea player that might prevent Enzo Maresca from winning the title.

In the aftermath of last weekend’s 4-2 victory over Brighton, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has been widely scrutinised after making two high-profile blunders that allowed his former club two first-half goals.

Chelsea icon John Obi Mikel believes Chelsea must recruit a new goalkeeper if they are to win the Premier League title.

The Nigerian, who won ten championships at Stamford Bridge, has expressed worries about Robert Sanchez after the Spaniard made two blunders in Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Brighton last weekend.

Only seven minutes into the game, Sanchez flew out of his goal to attempt and capture a high ball, which he missed, allowing Georginio Rutter to head home the opener for the Seagulls.

He was clumsy in possession immediately after Cole Palmer had put Chelsea 3-1 up following a magnificent free-kick to complete his hat-trick, misplacing a pass that enabled Carlos Baleba to fire.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the 37-year-old stated that he believes the issue needs to be addressed, saying: “Our defence looked very, very solid, but there is one question mark there – the goalkeeper.”

“He had a nightmare in the first half and was at fault for the first two goals, which is a concern for me, but aside from that, we are looking very, very strong. Of course, he did admirably in the previous two games, but if you want to be a title-winning squad, you must have a world-class goalie.

“Let’s not kid ourselves: we don’t have that. No offense to Robert Sanchez; he’s an excellent goalkeeper, but we need a top-tier goalkeeper to compete. If he wants to be the top

John Obi Mikel has questions about Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. (Image by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Chelsea also bought 22-year-old Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal in July to improve their goalkeeping options before loaning Djordje Petrovic to Strasbourg.

However, Sanchez has been Enzo Maresca’s No. 1 since receiving a vote of confidence in the summer, whereas Jorgensen has only been in the Conference League and Carabao Cup.

Maresca stated on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s Conference League match against Belgian club Gent, “Filip has to do well because we need him to do well, not because he has to put pressure on Robert.

“Also, because I said after the game, usually we like to see the end part of the thing and that was a Robert mistake but the mistake started with Malo [Gusto] because we conceded a chance and then we conceded a goal.”

Sanchez is anticipated to stay first-choice in the Premier League as Chelsea prepares to visit Nottingham Forest on Sunday.