Alonso backs Sanchez after two errors threaten to undermine Chelsea's winning Alonso debut

Xabi Alonso began his Chelsea tenure with a 3-2 Premier League victory at Craven Cottage on Saturday, but the occasion was clouded by two glaring errors from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez that handed Fulham a route back into the match on each occasion.

Chelsea’s front three delivered an encouraging attacking display, with Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and £117m summer signing Morgan Rogers all finding the net. Yet the defensive frailties that have long shadowed the club resurfaced sharply. Josh King equalised after Pedro’s opener when his tightly-angled shot inexplicably crept past Sanchez, and the Spaniard then spilled Timothy Castagne’s effort in the second half, parrying it directly into the path of Gonzalo Garcia, who converted the rebound without hesitation.

Alonso declined to single out his goalkeeper for criticism in his post-match comments. “It’s not about talking about individuals, their situations. It’s about understanding what it takes,” the new Chelsea head coach said. “For sure, the first goal we can do better than that. But it’s a process. It’s day one. And normally it’s easier to learn with three points.” He added that winning away required the squad to “roll up your sleeves, fight and defend your goal” — something he identified as a priority going forward.

The pundits were considerably less measured. Jamie Carragher argued Chelsea had clear “concerns defensively” and warned the goalkeeper situation could prove costly over the course of the season. “They have to sort the goalkeeper issue out because it’s going to come back to haunt them this season, as it did tonight,” he said.

Gary Neville went further, suggesting Alonso may need to act in the transfer market within days. “You cannot take a chance with a goalkeeper,” Neville said. “It’s the most difficult position on the pitch. If you have got a goalkeeper that’s making mistakes and he’s anxious, it will undermine everything that you’re trying to do. I think in the next seven or eight days, Alonso may have to just make a decision that he needs to bring in an experienced goalkeeper, because his job is to be successful for Chelsea.” Neville also referenced Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez as the calibre of signing Chelsea might need to consider.

For Alonso, the three points represent an encouraging start to what promises to be a demanding rebuild. The attacking intent was evident and the performances of Rogers, Palmer and Pedro offered genuine optimism. But if Chelsea are to mount a sustained title challenge, the question of who stands between the posts may need answering sooner rather than later.