“For the first time in a while I really like the spine of Chelsea’s team,” Neville said on Sky Sports before the game. “The goalkeeper could maybe be upgraded but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.”
However, following the high-profile blunders during the match, his tone shifted to one of significant concern regarding the long-term viability of Sanchez as the club’s primary option. “Chelsea were in a really good shape, showing respect to Fulham. Xabi Alonso will be thinking, ‘how have we conceded from here?’. We’ve got to be careful about criticising goalkeepers and any players really.”
The former Manchester United defender went further, suggesting that the goalkeeper’s inconsistencies could derail the entire project Alonso is building in West London. “It will undermine everything Chelsea do. It’s a problem for Chelsea and I don’t think if Emi Martinez is available, but they need someone like that,” Neville added.