Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has insisted he will do all he can to support goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who made yet another costly individual error in his side's 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday.
The Spaniard had plenty of time with the ball at his feet but played a sloppy pass out of goal which was easily intercepted by the onrushing Sadio Mané, who had the easy job of slotting the ball into an empty net.
Brilliant from Sadio Mane, but not one Kepa will want to see again ?
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Liverpool are now in a commanding position against Chelsea.
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It was a similar story in Chelsea's season opener against Brighton, in which Arrizabalaga was guilty of diving over the ball for the Seagulls' sole goal of the game, and Lampard confessed (via The Times) that he needs to offer all his support to the goalkeeper in an attempt to get through this tough period.
“It’s clear now there’s two games where we felt there’s a clear mistake,” Lampard said. “Brighton was a clear mistake and he’s reflected on it in that way.
"Individually, players need support, especially from myself. I give that to all my players. Nobody tries to make mistakes. It’s the nature of the game. You have to be strong.”
Whether Arrizabalaga will actually get the chance to bounce back is a different question entirely. Willy Caballero is set to start Wednesday's Carabao Cup meeting with Barnsley - a decision which was made before the Liverpool game - while Rennes goalkeeper Édouard Mendy is closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Matt Law notes that a deal for Mendy has been completely agreed, but the Senegal international still needs to undergo a medical. His arrival should be confirmed in the coming week.
It is not yet clear whether Lampard will throw Mendy straight into his starting lineup, but given the boss was prepared to drop Arrizabalaga last season after growing frustrated with his form, you get the sense that Mendy could be an immediate starter if he arrives fit and healthy.
Chelsea will also hope to see their defence boosted by the inclusion of new signings Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell, both of whom are yet to play this season. The pair joined in with training in the build-up to the Liverpool game and are believed to be close to a return to action.
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Source : 90min