Chelsea’s struggles continued as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, extending their winless run in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side outclassed Enzo Maresca’s visitors, leaving Chelsea without an away win since December last year, when Cole Palmer’s brace secured a thrilling 4-3 victory at Tottenham Hotspur. This time, Palmer was sidelined due to injury, and Chelsea’s hopes of maintaining a top-four position took another hit.
Sanchez’s Shaky Performance
Robert Sanchez had a day to forget in goal for Chelsea. The Spanish goalkeeper, often criticized for his erratic performances, nearly gifted Arsenal an early goal when his misplaced pass found Gabriel Martinelli, who failed to capitalize on the opportunity. While Sanchez avoided any glaring errors that directly led to a goal, his shaky display raised further questions about his reliability.
Sanchez has managed just five clean sheets in 23 league appearances this season and has been responsible for eight errors leading to opposition shots. His inconsistent form has led to calls for Maresca to consider handing Filip Jørgensen the starting goalkeeper role permanently.
Nkunku’s Disappointing Display
Chelsea’s attack lacked bite in the absence of Palmer, and Christopher Nkunku’s performance drew significant criticism. The £52 million signing from RB Leipzig was largely ineffective, failing to make an impact against Arsenal’s defense. Nkunku managed just 39 touches, one shot (off target), and no successful dribbles. His body language was described as “a disgrace” by one Chelsea content creator, and he was handed a dismal 3/10 match rating by Daily Express journalist Tom Parsons.
Nkunku’s struggles have been a recurring theme this season, and reports suggest Chelsea had considered selling him for around £65 million in January. After this lackluster display, Maresca might be tempted to drop him from the starting lineup as the club looks to rebuild and refocus.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
With their top-four hopes hanging by a thread, Chelsea must address their defensive frailties and attacking inefficiencies. Sanchez’s inconsistent performances and Nkunku’s inability to deliver on his hefty price tag have left the team in a precarious position. As the season progresses, Maresca faces tough decisions to salvage Chelsea’s campaign and restore confidence in the squad.
The Blues’ next fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they can turn their fortunes around or continue to languish in mediocrity. For now, the pressure is mounting on both the players and the manager to deliver results.
