Kepa has endured a troublesome few years and was ignored of the Spain squad for Euro 2020 this summer season
Kepa Arrizabalaga and a late substitution with penalties looming in a significant cup ultimate. Sound acquainted?
Within the 2019 Carabao Cup ultimate towards Manchester Metropolis, the £71m Spaniard refused to come back off for Willy Caballero late in damage time, an incident which has thus far been the defining second of his time at Stamford Bridge.
He saved one penalty on that event however they nonetheless misplaced – and he was fined by the membership for disobeying supervisor Maurizio Sarri’s directions.
On Wednesday, the roles had been reversed, with Kepa the person to come back on. This time, it was the Uefa Tremendous Cup towards Villarreal in Belfast, with the sport tied at 1-1 after Gerard Moreno cancelled out Hakim Ziyech’s opener. And this time it resulted in glory.
It additionally helped that the person he changed, Edouard Mendy – who had an excellent recreation – was extra receptive to the thought.
Kepa was very lively through the shootout, pushing aside opponents by getting of their faces and producing some theatrics on the goalline. It labored as he saved two penalties – from Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol.
After he saved Albiol’s kick, he was mobbed by jubilant team-mates who wished to have a good time the second with him.
Supervisor Thomas Tuchel, whose aspect had been within the recreation after beating Manchester Metropolis within the Champions League ultimate, revealed afterwards it has been an concept within the pipeline since February.
“It was not spontaneous,” he instructed BT Sport. “We talked about it with the goalkeepers after the primary cup recreation towards Barnsley.
“Kepa has the most effective proportion at saving penalties. The analysing guys and goalkeeping coaches confirmed me the info. We spoke to the gamers and instructed them this might occur after we play in knockout video games.”
Mendy was gracious as he got here off, embracing Kepa – and stated in a post-match interview alongside Kepa he at all times knew it might occur.
Kepa got here on as a 119th-minute substitute, saved two penalties and was booked
“It is incredible how Edouard accepted it,” stated Tuchel.
“He doesn’t present the delight to not step off the sector. He was comfortable to take this for the group.”
Kepa, who misplaced his first-team place to Mendy final season, stated: “It isn’t a typical state of affairs however we arrived to penalties after Edouard did a incredible job. Lastly we received and we’re so comfortable.
“I used to be prepared as a result of I knew this might occur. I attempted to be prepared, mentally and bodily.”
Mendy added: “I am comfortable as a result of we received. I knew since final yr that if Kepa got here on the pitch he would assist the group.”
BT Sport’s pundits had been impressed by Tuchel, Kepa and Mendy.
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole stated: “Thomas Tuchel cannot miss. All the pieces he does works. We questioned him due to how effectively Mendy performed however Kepa was incredible within the shootout.”
Former Chelsea ahead Eni Aluko added: “This is identical Kepa who a number of years in the past no person preferred. He did not look good. He is had an arc of a journey and is now a well-liked member of the squad.”
Ex-England defender Rio Ferdinand stated: “Kepa has been beneath immense scrutiny since he got here to the membership. You noticed after his save what he means to this squad. They had been throughout him.
“Clearly Tuchel knew one thing we did not. Earlier than each penalty was taken he was proper up within the face of the Villarreal gamers. He is received one thing about him. He has persona and character.”
Kepa isn’t the primary Spanish goalkeeper to make the headlines for an English membership after a European ultimate shootout towards Villarreal this yr. David de Gea missed from the spot in an epic Europa League climax because the Yellow Submarine beat Manchester United in Might.
“Though there was a misunderstanding, on reflection, I made a giant mistake with how I dealt with the state of affairs” – Kepa apologised following the EFL Cup ultimate in 2019
