Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has been using Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal in the previous two matches and some pundits have hinted that the Spaniard could keep his place in the starting line-up against West Ham United as well.
Edouard Mendy has been the undisputed No 1 for the Blues this season but Kepa Arrizabalaga returned to goal during the 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup and then just three days later, he had another great outing against Brighton in midweek.
The Spaniard has done pretty well in goal whenever called upon but Thomas Tuchel has very bluntly admitted that Kepa Arrizabalaga will be moving back to the bench when his side head to the London Stadium.
The manager made it clear: ‘Mendy is in goal. The change was made for Kepa for the FA Cup game and even before then, the goalkeeper coach and me decided that Kepa would stay one more game after Man City to have it as a reward and feel a bit the rhythm of playing every three days.
‘We wanted to reward what he is doing in training and in the dressing room which is simply outstanding in terms of quality and personality so I’m very happy he could show it on the pitch.
‘He had two clean sheets in two difficult matches for us so it’s a very good feeling that we can absolutely can rely on two goalkeepers and they can produce clean sheets.
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‘They earn our trust but the situation in general has not changed so Edou will be in goal tomorrow.’
Chelsea spent a lot of money on Kepa Arrizabalaga but the goalkeeper has turned out to be a failed project. And right now, there’s no doubt he has no future at the club.
This season, the keeper has played in only five Premier League games and most of his appearances had come during the first few weeks of the season.
After featuring vs Southampton back in October of last year, Kepa got his next league start against Newcastle United in February and then this past week against the Seagulls.
