Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made Premier League history for all the wrong reasons as he was sent off inside 20 minutes against Manchester United, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side facing an uphill battle at Old Trafford.
Robert Sanchez had a nightmare evening at Old Trafford as the Chelsea goalkeeper was sent off inside the opening 20 minutes of their Premier League clash with Manchester United, setting an unwanted club record in the process.
The Spaniard’s disastrous moment came when Benjamin Sesko flicked the ball into the path of Bryan Mbeumo, who surged clear of the Blues’ defence. Sanchez raced off his line but was caught out, with Mbeumo skipping past him before being brought down by the keeper’s desperate lunge. The referee wasted no time in producing the red card, making it the earliest sending-off for a Chelsea player in Premier League history and the third-fastest red card ever shown to a goalkeeper in the competition.
Maresca forced into early changes
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was left with little choice but to make swift tactical adjustments. Backup keeper Filip Jorgensen replaced Estevao, while Pedro Neto was sacrificed for Tosin Adarabioyo as the Blues reshaped into a five-man defence. Despite the reshuffle, the visitors were left chasing shadows.
United take control
With the numerical advantage, United quickly stamped their authority on the game. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro both struck before half-time to put the hosts in command. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah pulled one back to spark brief hope, but the damage was already done and the Blues slipped to defeat.
What’s next for Chelsea?
Maresca’s side will need to regroup quickly as they turn attention to their EFL Cup third-round tie against Lincoln City in midweek. That clash offers a chance to restore confidence before a crucial Premier League meeting with Brighton at Stamford Bridge next weekend.
