Jamie Carragher has called on Chelsea to sign a new goalkeeper following what he described as a “poor” performance from Robert Sanchez during their 2-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The Blues suffered a narrow loss, with former Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah opening the scoring for the Reds from the penalty spot.
Chelsea briefly equalised through Nicolas Jackson after a VAR check, but Curtis Jones eventually secured the win for Liverpool.
Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, singled out Sanchez as a key factor in Chelsea’s defeat, suggesting that the goalkeeper was at fault for some of the key moments in the match.
He went on to say that Chelsea should look to replace him if they want to improve their results moving forward.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher said: “It’s so poor from Chelsea’s point.
“Reece James ambles in there.
“The goalkeeper is so poor.
“It was a poor touch from Curtis Jones really, and it’s poor from the goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.
“Sanchez has got to go and win that ball. Jones should be terrified that a goalkeeper is coming towards him.
“You have got to get there and hope it hits you in the face and you keep it out.
“Chelsea need a new goalkeeper if they want to get back to where they want to be.”
The former Brighton goalkeeper faced a potentially dire situation at Anfield.
He was fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty after bringing down goalscorer Jones.
Sanchez’s reprieve came only after a VAR review, and Carragher believes the Spaniard was quite lucky to escape without further punishment.
He added: “I think Chelsea are fortunate.
“The second angle it looks like it’s not a penalty.
“I don’t think the goalkeeper gets enough of the ball.
“Getting a touch and completely taking someone out is not enough.
“I think Chelsea are very fortunate.”
While Carragher was highly critical of Sanchez’s performance, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca took a more measured approach, coming to his goalkeeper’s defence.
Speaking after the final whistle, he said: “I’m very happy with Robert, he’s doing fantastic with us.
“Not only in building from the back but also making saves.”
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