Robert Sanchez's thoughts on the defensive progress and breaking Villa's stride

Blues shot stopper Robert Sanchez has kept the joint most clean sheets in premier league this season, ahead of the visit of Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge he explains why the Blues are doing so well defensively.

Robert Sanchez has kept a clean sheet in 9 out of the Blues last 17 games in the 2025/26 season and is one clean sheet away from his Spanish compatriot David Raya's tally of 10 clean sheets recorded last season.

Sanchez's good form in goal for the Blues was recognised most recently when he was named in the PFA premier league fans player of the month for November. However, the Spaniard acknowledges that it is a much collective effort when it comes to stopping the opposition from scoring.

When asked about this Sanchez went onto state that when he and whichever 4 it was at the back, that whoever plays, it is important that they understand each others strengths and weaknesses and that they play to help each other in order to get the best performance possible. 

Sanchez then went onto add that "we have hit a point whereby we have become very consistent. There is always space to improve even more, which we know we can do and we are doing our best each game."

He then went onto add that "we know that if we can keep a clean sheet that this secures the team a point  which then enables the guys up top to be able to get three. We need to ensure we keep a clean sheet as this will ensure that the rest of the work for the guys is a lot easier. 

Sanchez is very well acquainted with the hectic football fixture schedule in England having moved from Spain when he was 15 years old.

Sanchez making a big save in the Blues 3-0 win against Aston Villa last December 

Ahead of games against Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Manchester City and Fulham coming up in quick succession, Sanchez detailed the key to staying fresh and giving Chelsea the best possible chance of picking up plenty of points

He detailed this by saying " It's a busy period, so it's important that we get plenty of rest and being able to manage yourself well along with being able to rotate with the right squad which we have currently been doing. Everyone has had a chance to play in different games."

"When you are home and spending time with family you enjoy it, but you also need to make sure that you manage yourself well and are getting the right amount of rest."

There is arguably no tougher test for the Blues right now in the Premier League that that posed by Aston Villa who travel to SW6 of the back to 10 consecutive wins in all competitions. 

Stopping Morgan Rogers and company in their tracks is something that will be no easy feat, but Sanchez is optimistically confident that Chelsea can stop Aston Villa's winning momentum to get the busy run of games of to a perfect start. 

When asked about Aston Villa Sanchez said " they are very good time who have won ten games in a row, so of course we want to break their stride especially at home."

" We don't want anyone coming to our home and taking points from us. We have trained well this week and are going to go out there and try our best to get a clean sheet and win the game."