Mikel Obi Questions Chelsea’s Title Hopes, Insists Sanchez Not Good Enough

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has cast doubt on the Blues’ chances of lifting the Premier League title this season, pointing fingers at their current No. 1 goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former Super Eagles captain argued that Chelsea should have invested in a top-class shot-stopper during the transfer window. He specifically highlighted Gianluigi Donnarumma, who eventually joined Manchester City, as the kind of signing the Blues desperately needed.

“I have said it so many times. We [Chelsea] should’ve in the transfer window brought in a top goalkeeper,” Mikel said.

“We have seen what Donnarumma is doing now at Manchester City, he was the goalkeeper that was out there. It is going to be incredibly hard for us to win the Premier League with the goalkeeper that we have right now.

“Every top club has got a goalkeeper, Pep Guardiola notified that. He needed to get rid of Ederson, and he did that. He’s got Donnarumma, and we can see now he makes saves. A top goalkeeper wins you the league.”

Donnarumma, who recently claimed the Ballon d’Or for Best Goalkeeper, has already impressed in City colours, making crucial saves that underline why Guardiola made the bold switch.

Opinion:
Mikel’s comments may sting Chelsea fans, but they highlight a truth that history has proven over and over: titles are often decided by goalkeepers. From Petr Čech in his Chelsea prime to Alisson at Liverpool and Ederson during City’s treble charge, great teams have always had great keepers behind them.

Robert Sanchez, though talented, has not yet convinced fans or pundits that he belongs in that elite bracket. His inconsistencies, especially in big matches, make Chelsea vulnerable in ways that top sides like City or Liverpool rarely are.

Mikel’s point about Donnarumma only adds salt to the wound. Imagine Chelsea, already brimming with young attacking talent, securing one of the world’s best shot-stoppers—it would have sent a statement not just to the league but to Europe. Instead, it was Pep Guardiola who saw the gap, acted decisively, and is now reaping the rewards.

Chelsea may improve under their new system, but unless Sanchez steps up massively—or the club moves for a world-class goalkeeper—the dream of a Premier League crown may remain just that: a dream.