Chelsea got the result. Robert Sánchez did not get the silence.
The Blues opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, giving Xabi Alonso three points in his first league match in charge. João Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer scored for Chelsea, while Josh King and Gonzalo García found the net for Fulham.
But beneath the victory, an old argument returned almost immediately. Sánchez endured an uncomfortable night in goal, with his performance attracting renewed scrutiny as Fulham repeatedly found ways back into a match Chelsea threatened to control.
King’s first-half equalizer became the biggest flashpoint. The Fulham attacker beat Sánchez from a tight angle, adding fresh fuel to questions around the goalkeeper position despite Chelsea eventually recovering and taking control again. Rogers restored the visitors’ lead before half-time, Palmer extended the advantage after the restart and Chelsea survived another Fulham response to leave with all three points.
Sánchez also produced an important near-post stop from Ryan Sessegnon later in the contest. That did not end the conversation.
Post-match analysis focused heavily on Chelsea’s goalkeeping, while online reaction from some supporters included renewed demands for change between the posts. The distinction is important. There is no basis to claim every Chelsea supporter wants Sánchez sold, and Chelsea have made no announcement suggesting his position has changed.
But the debate itself is alive.
And for Alonso, that matters.
The new Chelsea manager wants a team capable of controlling matches aggressively, playing through pressure and keeping opponents away from dangerous transitions. That system needs confidence behind the ball. Against Fulham, Chelsea’s attacking signs were encouraging. João Pedro struck early. Rogers scored on his competitive debut. Palmer added another goal. Chelsea repeatedly looked capable of hurting Fulham when they moved forward.
At the other end, the uncertainty refused to disappear. That contrast is what keeps Sánchez under pressure. Chelsea can absorb imperfections when they still produce three points. What they cannot afford is for vulnerability in goal to become a recurring problem as the season gathers pace.
The opening victory belongs to Alonso.
The three points belong to Chelsea.
The goalkeeper question still belongs to Sánchez.
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