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Robert Sanchez has been sent a clear Chelsea verdict after Lucas Paqueta scored an early goal in their Premier League clash against West Ham. The 27-year-old has faced criticism in recent months with it likely that returns after his error at London Stadium.
The opener arrived after five minutes as Estevao Willian, who replaced Cole Palmer in the starting XI just minutes before kick-off, squandered possession to Malick Diouf, who fed Paqueta with Brazilian unleashing a rocket into the far corner from 25 yards out.
While it was a superb strike, replays showed that Sanchez perhaps should have done better as opposed to just flailing his right arm in the direction of the ball. Joao Pedro went on to equalise moments later, however, as he nodded home Marc Cucurella's flick on from a corner.
West Ham thought they'd gone back in front just before the midway point off the first half but Niclas Fullkrug's powerful effort was disallowed following a VAR review which showed Jean-Clair Todibo, who delivered the cross, was offside in the build up.
Chelsea then went in front with Trevoh Chalobah winning possession high up and feeding Joao Pedro, who saw his cross turned home at the back post by Pedro Neto. Enzo Fernandez then grabbed a third after a superb run and cross by Estevao.
Following an action-packed opening period, Jamie Redknapp and Rob Green had plenty to discuss in the Sky Sports studio with the latter offering his thoughts on the Paqueta goal and Sanchez's decision-making.
"You have to say the little deviation [is why he doesn't save it]," Green admitted to Sky Sports. "If we watch Sanchez's feet, you see his momentum has gone [to the right] which is why he has gone with his top hand and you can see the little step from right to left. Take nothing away from the strike, though."
Chelsea were linked with a move for AC Milan's Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup but failed to agree a deal. Even though Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma is on the market, Enzo Maresca appears to retain full faith in his goalkeepers.
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Instead, the focus is on attacking additions with talks ongoing to sign Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons. The latter is currently in action for RB Leipzig but his side are being heavily beaten by reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Negotiations for his signature are expected to advance over the weekend and there should be a real eagerness to get the deal done with Palmer picking up an injury. Even if it proves to be minor, Maresca will ideally want the duo ahead of Chelsea facing Fulham before the first international break begins.
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