“We have seen the light”, “Won us the game” - Chelsea fans believe they have found ‘long-term’ solution in 24-year-old star during Fulham win
Chelsea fans have hailed Dorde Petrovic after the Serbian goalkeeper continued his fine form in his side's 1-0 win against Fulham on Saturday (January 13).
Petrovic has been handed a prominent run in Mauricio Pochettino's starting lineup since early December following Robert Sanchez's muscular injury. The young shot-stopper has impressed nine appearances across competitions, keeping three clean sheets.
The former New England Revolution goalkeeper was superb as Chelsea beat Fulham at Stamford Bridge. He kept a clean sheet and made four saves and two high claims.
Cole Palmer grabbed the only goal of the game in the 45+4th minute when he struck from the penalty spot. But, Petrovic's performance was equally as important in helping the Blues seal a third consecutive league win for the first time this season.
Petrovic did well to keep former Chelsea winger Willian at bay in the 74th minute. The Serb produced a fine stop at his near post to deny the Brazilian. He also produced an important save just a minute before when Raul Jiminez tried his luck at goal.
There were some concerns about whether Petrovic was ready to make the step up and replace Sanchez after the Spaniard's injury. But, he continues to catch the eye with stellar showing and fans were enthused with his latest outing.
One fan thinks Sanchez's spot as Pochettino's first-choice goalkeeper may now be over:
"Remember when I said Dorde Petrovic is better than Sanchez. Another Master class performance, he deserve first choice. I’m sorry Sanchez you’re not the number one choice, we have seen the light."
Another fan thinks Petrovic won the game for Chelsea:
"This Petrovic save and the other one in the first half at his near post won us the game. Proving to be a great signing game by game."
Another fan echoed those sentiments:
"Please let’s talk about Petrovic. Can we all agree that he is our long term number 1."
Here's how fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to Petrovic's performance in his side's victory against Fulham:
Chelsea goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic was nominated for the Premier League's Goal of the Month
Petrovic is proving to be a fine shot-stopper, making several impressive saves during the early stages of his Chelsea career. That was the case when the west Londoners secured a hard-fought 3-2 away victory against Luton Town (December 30).
The Hatters were searching for an equalizer in the latter stages of the game at Kenilworth Road. English full-back Alfie Doughty whipped an asking cross into the Blues' box which Carlton Morris met with his head.
It looked to be a certain goal but Petrovic had other ideas producing a stunning stop to push the ball onto the bar. This was instrumental in helping Pochettino's side ensure victory away to the newly-promoted outfit.
Petrovic's save earned him a nomination for the Premier League's Save of the Month for December. The Serb eventually missed out on the award to Sheffield United's Wes Foderingham.