Chelsea will not challenge Arsenal for the title due to glaring problem, it’s not just Robert Sanchez

Chelsea have the capacity to beat Arsenal in a single game, but lack the stamina over 38 matches to challenge for the title.

This is the view of the talkSPORT Breakfast panel with Chelsea told it’s not just their goalkeeping problem holding them back from a first league title in a decade.

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Morgan Rogers scored on his competitive debut against Fulham at Craven Cottage as Xabi Alonso‘s side secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

The Blues opened up the scoring after just 31 seconds after Joao Pedro slotted home the club’s first goal of the new campaign.

The attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Rogers, and Pedro provided a devastating frontline display for the home fans.

However, Chelsea‘s defensive frailties raised immediate concerns—particularly regarding goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, whose error directly contributed to Fulham’s first goal, scored by Josh King.

Following the match, Alonso said his front three needed to ‘lead the rest’ so that the ‘other ones will follow’.

However, Jeff Stelling told talkSPORT Breakfast that the blame can not only be placed on the man between the sticks.

He said: “It’s not just Robert Sanchez. They look lovely going forward. But as I mentioned a moment or two ago, Fulham really should have got something out of that game.

“Antonee Robinson is through one-on-one with Sanchez. Lobs the ball, I was going to say wide, but it’s so far wide. They had chances and that was the problem.

“Chelsea gave Fulham, who I thought were quite encouraging, a few chances. They couldn’t cope with Josh King.

“I just think that defensively… if Moises Caicedo is back, he’ll give them more of a shield, that is for sure. I don’t know much about Marco Palestra. I haven’t seen him play, so I can’t really comment on that one. But I think defensively, they’re too vulnerable.”

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Clean sheet drought

Maxence Lacroix produced a respectable performance on his competitive debut for the Blues, while Josh Acheampong made several crucial last-ditch interceptions.

However, Levi Colwill seemed out of control on multiple occasions and was lucky Lacroix was covering behind him, suggesting the previous seasons defensive problems still remain as the Blues failed to keep a clean sheet for a 17th consecutive match.

Ally McCoist added: “I think they could beat Arsenal on a one-off. I’m not sure they have the consistency to take them over the 38 games. I think they’ve got real quality in forward areas. It was a beautiful finish.

“Cole Palmer when he’s like that, he’s irresistible to watch. He really is. He’s just wonderful to watch. They’ve got brilliant, brilliant players. But I just don’t think that consistency wise, you’re going to have to maintain a level of consistency over seven, eight months.

“I’m not sure Chelsea will do that. But I think they could beat Arsenal on a one-off, definitely.”

Arsenal is THE defensive benchmark

Arsenal enter the campaign defending their crown with an upgraded squad — particularly in defensive areas following the addition of Ezri Konsa.

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To win the Premier League title, Mikel Arteta made his side the strongest defensively during the previous campaign

They only conceded 27 goals last term, in comparison to Chelsea’ who shipped 52.

Additionally, the Gunners’ David Raya finished the season with 19 clean sheets in only 37 appearances, and was awarded the Golden Glove award.

Meanwhile, Robert Sanchez managed just nine in 35 outings for the Blues during last term.