Some Chelsea fans react on Twitter as Kepa Arrizabalaga stars in hard-fought FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was the hero of the night as he saved an extra-time penalty to send the Blues to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The Premier League giants made a real meal of what was a favourable tie on paper. In fact, the Blues got off to a bad start as Macaulay Gilleshpey gave the visitors the lead with an eight-minute strike. The League One side went in level at the break after Cesar Azpilicueta drew the home side level in the 41st minute.
Despite dominating possession and crafting numerous opportunities, the Blues failed to find a way past Plymouth in regular time. Marcos Alonso rose to the challenge in extra time, putting the Premier League side up in the 105th minute of the match.
The Spaniard’s strike appeared to have won the game for the home side only for the Blues to concede a late penalty. With the dreaded penalty shootout lottery on the horizon, a big save was needed and Kepa obliged by not just stopping Ryan Hardie’s spot-kick but also holding onto it to prevent a rebound.
It all but took the fizz out of Plymouth and Chelsea closed out the game with little more to worry about. The performance was just the Spaniard’s latest heroics as he continues to rebuild his name at the Bridge.
The most expensive goalkeeper in history, Kepa has often struggled to do that title justice. Slowly yet readily he is coming into his own as a dependable goalkeeper. With Edouard Mendy still at the Africa Cup of Nations, Kepa’s form will give Thomas Tuchel a welcome headache when it comes to team selection.
We take a look at how some fans reacted to the 28-year-old’s heroics on Twitter.
Chelsea fans react as Kepa helps the Blues see off Plymouth Argyle
Kepa has paid his 71m debt.
— Rola (@kofoworola__a) February 5, 2022
It’s time we start to put some respect on Kepa’s name.
— Hajir🇸🇪 (@HajirFT) February 5, 2022
Kepa is the best penalty saver I’ve ever seen it’s mental.
— Will (@willreyner) February 5, 2022
Kepa is the best penalty saving goalkeeper of all time it's actually crazy
— Raf (@CFC_Raf) February 5, 2022
No coincidence that Kepa is back to his best after finding a girlfriend. No heartbreak no mistakes. He’s back.
— Dubois (@CFCDUBois) February 5, 2022
KEPA… KING OF PENALTIES 🤩👏🏻💙
— Carly Telford 💙 (@carlytelford1) February 5, 2022
KEPA THE BEST PENALTY KEEPER IN THE WORLDDDDDD
— Mod (@CFCMod_) February 5, 2022
Lightwork for a Spanish Yashin
— 🧙♂️ (@CFCLamps_) February 5, 2022
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I forgave Kepa for everything when he won us the Super Cup. Every game since then i’ve had a smile on my face watching this guy winning in life. His remontada is so beautiful
— Marco (@ftblShush) February 5, 2022
Kepa has actually saved us across several games now this season.
— TweetChelseaUK (@TweetChelseaUK) February 5, 2022
Fair play to him, he’s been terrific recently when called upon.