Graham Potter praises the performance of Kepa Arrizabalaga against Aston Villa
Speaking to the media after the game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Graham Potter praised the performance of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga against Aston Villa.
Kepa made a string of good saves to help the team keep a clean sheet and win the game by a two-goal margin. Mason Mount struck both the goals on either side of half-time.
However, on the balance of play, had it not been for the Spaniard’s saves, Villa could have scored at least a goal or two. This is now Kepa’s fourth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions.
Talking about his performance and more, here’s Potter (h/t Football.London):
“He is contributing to us with clean sheets and how we’re trying to play and the environment around the place. I’ve got to say all three goalkeepers we’ve had here have been really, really good in that regard…
…supporting each other, providing good competition and that picks everybody’s level up and Kepa has found a fantastic level today. Made some brilliant saves that have kept us in the game and allowed us to win the points so really pleased for him.”
At the start of the season, it was Edouard Mendy with the first-choice goalkeeping position in the team. Since the Senegal international’s injury in the game against West Ham United last month, Kepa has taken his chance with both hands and played some unbelievable games for the Blues.
Although Mendy had been back available for a few games now, Potter has decided to stick with the 28-year-old, and he is getting just rewards for the faith he showed.
In a way, Chelsea are lucky to have two top goalkeepers and the third one Marcus Bettinelli is decent too. As of now, Kepa has taken his chance and is ahead of the pecking order. But there is genuine competition for places. So, the moment the Spaniard is off his game, Mendy is there to take his place, unless the manager has decided on his number one.
More Chelsea News:
- Graham Potter reveals how Edouard Mendy has responded to Kepa starting games for Chelsea
- Romano: Joe Shields joining Chelsea as part of the recruitment team is a done deal
- Ben Jacobs claims Chelsea will look to sign Harry Kane from Spurs
The Blues have another away game on Wednesday, with a short trip to Brentford. As much as the Villa game was tough, the game against the Bees won’t be easy as well, with an in-form Ivan Toney eyeing up to add to his impressive goal tally in the league this season so far.