Chelsea were almost put to the sword by Crystal Palace on Tuesday after a thrilling London derby at Selhurst Park.
The Blues were perhaps fortunate to come away with all three points against the Eagles after a Scott Dann attempt in the dying minutes of the match hit the woodwork. An equaliser would have left Frank Lampard’s side with no time to get their noses back in front but they were fortunately able to diffuse the chance and round off a 3-2 victory on the road (as per BBC).
Goals from Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham made the day a success, although one Chelsea man has come under fire for his performance.
Should Chelsea replace Kepa this summer?
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Ian Wright has criticised Kepa Arrizabalaga’s display between the sticks and thinks that he should’ve done more to prevent Palace’s first goal. Chelsea were enjoying a 2-0 lead before Zaha fired a long-range strike into the back of the net to half the deficit. His shot was straight at Kepa in the middle of goal, who arguably should have at least got a hand to it.
“Honestly for me for £71m worth of a goalkeeper he’s got to do better with that,” the Arsenal icon told Premier League Productions (via Football365). “It’s a powerful strike don’t get me wrong but from where it’s gone in the goal he’s got to do better, he’s got to at least get a hand to that. I’d be gutted if my goalkeeper let that in”
Kepa’s performance earned him the lowest Sofascore rating out of Chelsea’s starting XI – making an error that led to a Crystal Palace shot and recording just 18 successful passes.
Having shipped 50 goals in total this season, including five in the last eight days, Wright’s concerns about the Spaniard seem pertinent and one must wonder what Lampard has made of the goalkeeper’s recent displays.
How do you think Kepa played against the Eagles, Blues fans? Join the conversation in the comments below…
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