Because of the win against West Ham, the Blues had their win on Monday night, which was a crucial one. However, this game could have been important for just one player more than the three points, Filip Jorgensen.
That is the case of the 22-year-old Dane who arrived from Villarreal on a free last summer, himself a victim of the harsh reality that Lukaku has been watching from the bench. It is just one game too many, but after Robert Sanchez’s recent blunders, Enzo Maresca gave Jorgensen a chance in a high-stakes London derby. Although his performance was not of world class, it was steady enough to make fans—and perhaps even Sanchez himself—sit and take notice.
Jorgensen’s Performance Against West Ham
Jorgensen’s showing wasn’t perfect, but it was comforting. His accuracy from the kicking (76 percent pass success rate) was patchy, while his long balls were dreamed of as much as they were delivered. And the fact is, if Chelsea had a need for pinpoint passing, they would have put Enzo Fernandez in goal.
In contrast to Sanchez, Jorgensen was not punished for the error he did commit on the defensive front, but did commit one error that resulted in a shot. His Stamford Bridge debut clearly went down well with Lady Luck.
However, what mattered most was his shot stopping. Jorgensen was quick off his line, four saves, three from inside the box, handy reflexes and solid positioning. He also played it safe, more importantly. No sweeper-keeper antics unnecessarily, no kamikaze charges in the box. It’s a welcome relief, given the nightmares Sanchez’s mistakes have caused Chelsea fans this season.
Should Jorgensen Keep His Spot in Goal?
Right now the question isn’t whether Jorgenson is the perfect goalkeeper; the question rather is, is he better than Sanchez right now? And the answer? Probably yes.
For all Sanchez’s ability, he has become an accident waiting to happen. His high save percentage of 76.3 really gives the impression of competence, but stats don’t really cover the wild moments of whacking chaos he’s put on their backline for Chelsea.
The role of Maresca is not simply choosing the most talented player—it is choosing the one who will not ruin the team’s Champions League dream. And right now, that’s Jorgensen.
Why Chelsea Fans Should Back Jorgensen
Underdogs are always popular with Chelsea fans, even more so when it concerns the top choice keeper falling off the wagon a little. Exactly what the Blues need in a crucial part of the season, Jorgensen’s composed, cool presence in goal. He might not be at his peak as Edouard Mendy, but at least he can’t play like Kepa Arrizabalaga, and something went horribly wrong.
The reality is Chelsea’s defensive frailties make their goalkeeper have to play inspiring football. At the moment, Jorgensen is more doing that than Sanchez. Jorgensen should be given an extended run in the side if Maresca is serious about solving Chelsea’s problems at the back.
My take: Why Filip Deserves a Run in the Team
I’ve witnessed too many talented goalkeepers lose their place because of a single error as a football fan. That’s why I am not recommending that Sanchez should never play again. Still, football is a business, and at this moment, Jorgensen deserves a shot. He’s young, 22 and aggressive, not making Chelsea fans grimace in fear of the ball being anywhere near him.
Maresca now has a decision to make, and if I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t change Jorgensen. It at least will act as the wake-up call Sanchez needs.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping problem is one of the major stoppages of the season. Jorgensen has put himself into the mix, though, thanks to Monday night’s performance.
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