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John Obi Mikel names Chelsea player that could stop Enzo Maresca winning title

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Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel says Chelsea need to sign a new goalkeeper if they want to win the Premier League title.

The Nigerian, who won 10 trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge, has echoed his doubts over Robert Sanchez after the Spaniard made two errors in the first half of Chelsea's 4-2 victory over Brighton last weekend.

Just seven minutes into the match, Sanchez came flying out of his goal to try and claim a high ball which he missed, allowing Georginio Rutter to head home the opener for the Seagulls.



He was then sloppy in possession shortly after Cole Palmer had put Chelsea 3-1 up following a stunning free-kick to complete his hat-trick, misplacing a pass which enabled Carlos Baleba to rifle home a second for Albion.

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Speaking on , the 37-year-old indicated he feels the problem needs to be addressed, stating: "Our defence looked very, very solid but there is one question mark there - the goalkeeper.


"He had a nightmare in the first half, he was at fault for the first two goals so for me, that's a concern but apart from that we are looking very, very strong. Of course, the two games before that he performed very, very well but you want to be a title-winning team, you need a top, top goalkeeper.

"Let's not kid ourselves, we don't have that. No disrespect to Robert Sanchez, he's a fantastic goalkeeper but we need a top, top goalkeeper to compete. If he wants to become a top goalkeeper, he needs to start putting in those performances.

"We know he's not very good with his feet, that's not a problem but we need a goalkeeper that's assured in the goal, can make saves but I watched the game on Saturday and he was at fault for both goals."

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Chelsea also signed 22-year-old Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal in July to bolster their options between the sticks before loaning Djordje Petrovic to Strasbourg.

But so far, Sanchez has been Enzo Maresca's No.1 following a vote of confidence in the summer while Jorgensen has only featured in the Conference League and Carabao Cup, respectively.

Maresca said on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's Conference League clash with Belgian side Gent: "Filip has to do well because we need him doing 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 expected to remain first-choice in the Premier League as Chelsea prepare to host Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

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