Comeback complete: Kepa Arrizabalaga is now Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper on merit
(Picture: PA)Today marked the day that Kepa Arrizabalaga cleaned up his muddied reputation at Chelsea to become one of the match-winners in a 2-0 victory away at Aston Villa.
Graham Potter’s side put in their worst performance since he joined the club in a match where Kepa made more saves (seven) than in any other game since joining for a world-record £71.6million from Athletic Club in 2018.
On paper, it looks like Mason Mount was the star man, scoring twice, first after latching on to a Tyrone Mings mistake early in the first half. Then he scored a stunning free-kick in the 65th minute, wrong-footing goalkeeper Emi Martinez to make it 2-0.
However, Villa spent 47.5 per cent of the first half camped in Chelsea’s box and peppered Kepa’s goal, with the visitors struggling after Raheem Sterling was played at right wing-back in the absence of the injured Reece James.
The England international couldn’t cope with Villa and, equally, the Blues struggled on the left after Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella were paired together for the first time.
Chelsea’s back three were often isolated in one-on-one duels against Villa’s front three - Leon Bailey, Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins all having chances to score.
There was a triple save in the 21st minute from Jacob Ramsey, Ings and Douglas Luiz that drew a particularly strong reaction from the away support near Kepa’s goal.
However, the stop of the match was a point-blank one from an Ings header just 10 minutes later. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player who has had well-publicised troubles at Stamford Bridge.
Back during the 2019-20 season, Kepa had the lowest save percentage of any goalkeeper in the Premier League and was among the worst in Europe.
It led to a complete collapse of confidence both within him and from the defenders around him. With Edouard Mendy signed that summer by Frank Lampard and continuing under Thomas Tuchel, the Spain international looked set to leave west London almost every summer.
Former technical advisor Petr Cech and head goalkeeping coach Hilario spent countless hours rehabilitating a player who doubted himself and lost his national team place in the process.
Kepa continued working on his technique behind the scenes, noting that his ability to claim crosses and save shots from range needed work.
Those who know the Spaniard have praised him for his incredible attitude during this barren period on the pitch. Finally, after Potter’s appointment, he has taken his chance.
Kepa was initially selected due to a Mendy knee injury and is now playing ahead of him on merit. It is understood that Potter also likes how progressive Kepa is in regards to his distribution, urging more attacking passes from his goalkeeper than predecessor Tuchel.
In Spain, they call this a remontada. In Hollywood movies, it is a redemption arc. Kepa has given one of the most heartwarming stories of the season, coming back when most had given up on him.
