Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision to start Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of Edouard Mendy for Chelsea's Champions League group stage opener against Dinamo Zagreb.
The German was given a big decision to make after Mendy was involved heavily in West Ham's goal at the weekend and was nearly at fault for a late equaliser, being given a reprieve by VAR after parrying a Reece James backpass. The first choice keeper was also caught out with a failed punch attempt in the lead up to Michail Antonio's goal in the Blues' 2-1 victory.
Mendy has come under the spotlight having dropped from his impressive levels in 2021 and with the most expensive goalkeeper in the world as backup, Kepa has been given his chance to force a way into Tuchel's thinking on a more consistent basis.
