Sanchez has enjoyed a shutout in nine of our 17 league fixtures so far in 2025/26 - level with his compatriot David Raya at Arsenal – and is now just one clean sheet shy of his tally of ten recorded last term.

Our number one’s good form was recognised recently when he was named the PFA Premier League Fans’ Player of the Month for November. However, Sanchez acknowledges it is very much a collective effort when it comes to stopping the opposition.

‘Me and the four at the back, whoever plays, have all got to a point where we all understand each other, our weaknesses and our strengths, and we play to help each other out to have the best performance possible,’ Sanchez said.

‘We have hit a point where we have become very consistent. There is always space to improve even more, which we know we can, but we are doing our best every game.

‘We know if we keep a clean sheet that secures the team a point, and then the guys at the top will get us three. We need to make sure we keep a clean sheet because that will make the work of the rest of the guys easier.’

Sanchez is well acquainted with English football’s hectic festive schedule having moved here from Spain when he was 15.

With games against Villa, Bournemouth, Manchester City and Fulham all coming up in quick succession, Sanchez detailed the key to staying fresh and giving ourselves the best chance of picking up plenty of points.

‘It’s a busy period, so it’s about having a lot of rest, managing yourself well, and having the squad to do the right rotations, which we have been doing. Everybody has been getting their chance to play in different games.

‘When you’re home, spend time with family and enjoy it, but also make sure you’re managing yourself well and getting the right amount of rest.’

There is arguably no sterner challenge in the Premier League right now than that posed by Aston Villa, who travel to SW6 off the back of ten consecutive wins in all competitions.

Stopping Morgan Rogers and co in their tracks will be no easy feat, but Sanchez is confident the Blues can do just that to get this busy run of games off to the perfect start.

‘They are a very good team, ten wins in a row, so of course we want to break their stride, especially at home,’ said the keeper.

‘We don’t want anyone to get points from us at home. We have trained well this week and we are going to go out there, give our best, try to get a clean sheet and win the game.’

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