Even when Robert Sanchez was getting praise for an impressive showing a few weeks ago, we maintained that his occasional good game didn’t justify his bad ones.
In a huge game at Anfield today, where you need everyone, especially your goalkeeper, Sanchez has been shaky.
He gave the ball away several times with bad kicks – and almost gave goals away in all of them. He’s just been spared from a penalty that was initially given against him. While he did get a clear touch on the ball, the way he came for the ball was just strange.
On Sky commentary, Gary Neville called it “so messy… clumsy.”
“It’s a really strange action from Sanchez to go like that, unnatural.”
It’s the kind of thing the Spaniard makes a habit of. He tries to play it cool after this, but even if it wasn’t a foul, it was panicky and that sort of thing transmits quickly to a young back line which is already missing two of its regulars and has looked troubled on the counter repeatedly in this game.
You can see the incident in the clips embedded here:
Is this a penalty for liverpool or sanchez got the ball? pic.twitter.com/ukSEbWxAyP
— Raf (@UtdRaff) October 20, 2024
[Footage from Sky Sports]
Robert Sanchez got the ball but of course it was awarded. Glad it was overturned.#LIVCHEpic.twitter.com/529qjzO4D8
— Ɛ𝘃𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 (@evickss) October 20, 2024
[Footage from Sky Sports]
Sanchez wobbles and his backup lies in wait
Both with his kicking today and his decision making in moments like this, Sanchez has proved himself time and again to just no to be good enough, especially for a team which is determined to play out from the back and involve its goalkeeper in play a lot.
It’s yet more encouragement for summer signing Filip Jorgensen, who will continue to get starts in the cup competitions, and can surely smell his chance in the league is coming soon if Sanchez continues to look so wobbly, so often.
