Get rid of him or replace him” “He will cost us top4” – Mikel Obi cries out, warns Enzo Maresca to replace Chelsea star despite 3-1 win over Wolves

Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers provided the team with a much-needed boost in morale, helping them climb back into the top four of the Premier League standings. However, despite the positive outcome, the match was not without controversy, with much of the scrutiny falling on goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.

Former Chelsea midfielder-turned-analyst, Mikel Obi, did not hold back in his criticism of Sánchez, particularly highlighting a costly mistake in the first half that allowed Wolves to equalize. Obi described the error as “embarrassing” and warned that such lapses in judgment could undermine Chelsea’s pursuit of a top-four finish if not addressed promptly.

This incident marks Sánchez’s fourth direct error leading to a goal this season, raising questions about his reliability during crucial moments. Obi suggested that Chelsea should consider bolstering their goalkeeping options by either signing a more dependable backup or recalling Djordje Petrovic to create stronger competition for the starting spot.

These comments reflect growing unease about Sánchez’s inconsistency as Chelsea strives to secure Champions League qualification. While Sánchez has proven to be an important part of Enzo Maresca’s possession-focused system, his recurring defensive mistakes continue to pose a serious challenge to the team’s ambitions.

As the race for the top four heats up, it will be vital for Chelsea to reduce costly errors. The coming weeks will be pivotal for Sánchez, as Maresca faces a tough decision: should he continue to trust Sánchez as the team’s primary goalkeeper, or explore alternative options to solidify the team’s defense?
Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers was a morale-boosting result, but Robert Sánchez’s error leading to Wolves’ equalizer has cast a shadow over the team’s defensive stability. Former player and pundit Mikel Obi’s sharp critique of Sánchez underscores the growing concerns over his consistency.

### Key Points of Contention:

1. **Sánchez’s Error**:
– The first-half mistake marked Sánchez’s fourth direct error leading to a goal this season.
– Mikel Obi called the error “embarrassing,” emphasizing the need for immediate improvement in such high-stakes matches.

2. **Implications for Chelsea**:
– Defensive reliability is critical as Chelsea fights to maintain a top-four spot.
– Persistent errors could undermine Enzo Maresca’s possession-based system, which relies on a composed and dependable goalkeeper.

3. **Calls for Reinforcement**:
– Obi suggested Chelsea should address the issue by creating stronger competition for Sánchez. Options include recalling Djordje Petrovic or signing a more experienced backup during the transfer window.

4. **Maresca’s Dilemma**:
– While Sánchez has been integral to Maresca’s system, his errors place the coach in a challenging position.
– Maresca must balance trusting Sánchez with the need to prioritize defensive solidity.

### Next Steps for Chelsea:
As the Premier League’s top-four race intensifies, Chelsea must ensure their defensive foundation is as strong as their attacking prowess. Whether through tactical adjustments, squad rotation, or new signings, addressing the goalkeeper situation will be key to maintaining momentum and achieving their season objectives.