Chelsea’s ambitions of competing for the Premier League title this season have faltered after a dismal run of just one win in their last seven matches. Their latest setback came in a 3-1 defeat to reigning champions Manchester City, leaving the Blues 13 points adrift of the top of the table and sitting in seventh place after being leapfrogged by Bournemouth.

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has weighed in on the team’s struggles, urging manager Enzo Maresca to make significant upgrades to two key positions if the club wants to regain its title-winning pedigree.

Mikel Identifies Sanchez and Jackson as Weak Links

Mikel specifically pointed to goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and striker Nicolas Jackson as areas that require immediate improvement. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel criticized Sanchez for his costly mistakes, including an error against Manchester City that allowed Erling Haaland to score a crucial goal.

“He’s not a top, top keeper,” Mikel said. “If we want players who are good enough to win the league and secure a top-four finish, Sanchez is not that goalkeeper.”

Similarly, the Nigerian icon voiced concerns over Nicolas Jackson, who has now gone seven consecutive games without finding the back of the net.

“Nicolas (Jackson) is not the striker who will win us the league,” Mikel added. “Top four, maybe, but not the title. Sanchez and Jackson both showed in the Man City game that they’re not at the level we need. We need a top-class striker and goalkeeper to put us where we belong.”

Sanchez’s Error-Prone Season

Robert Sanchez has faced mounting criticism this season, with his performance against Manchester City adding to the scrutiny. The Spanish goalkeeper’s attempt to clear the ball was lobbed by Erling Haaland, marking Sanchez’s fifth error leading directly to a goal in the Premier League this season—a record he now shares with Ipswich Town’s Arijanet Muric.

Most Errors Leading to Goals in the Premier League (2023/24 Season):

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that Sanchez’s position as the team’s starting goalkeeper could be under review. “We’ll assess his reaction during the week and consider our options for the next match,” Maresca said.

The Path Forward

As Chelsea grapples with an underwhelming season, Mikel’s comments highlight the urgency for reinforcements if the club hopes to return to its former glory. While the January transfer window could offer an opportunity for upgrades, the Blues face an uphill battle to salvage their campaign and re-establish themselves as title contenders.