Chelsea defenders appear to have turned against Kepa Arrizabalaga
According to the Express, Chelsea defenders appeared to turn against goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 5-3 defeat to Liverpool.
The Spanish shot-stopper did himself no favours as he was caught helpless to prevent any of the Merseysiders’ five goals.
A win or even a draw could have seen Chelsea secure a top-four finish in their quest to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Not only did we not get the job done but also showed our lack of defensive acumen as the Reds raced to a three-goal lead.
A standout moment occurred in the game’s closing minutes. With the match already wrapped up at 5-3, Liverpool earned themselves a freekick.
Andrew Robertson’s cross was turned over by Virgil van Dijk, much to the relief of Antonio Rudiger and co. According to the report, Chelsea players were heard calling out their goalkeeper to come out and claim the cross.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta was seen gesturing to his countryman, while a number of other Chelsea stars were far from impressed.
This breakdown in communication is unbecoming of a player who was brought in for a huge amount of money. Kepa has been on the firing line for far too long and conceding five on the night will have done his stock little favours.
Although there was little he could have done for the opener, the Spaniard’s positioning was suspect in Liverpool second and fifth goals. Also, there appears to be a lack of communication in our rearguard as players just stood still when Georginio Wijnaldum put Liverpool three up.
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A solid defence lays the foundation for a strong team. In Kepa, we have a goalkeeper who cannot be relied upon consistently. Worryingly so, the players ahead of him seem to be aware of it as well. It might well and truly be time to move him on.
Chelsea have strengthened their attack by bringing in Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. It is time we now focussed on the other end of the pitch.