Thomas Tuchel is pleased that Kepa Arrizabalaga is still at Chelsea.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was the hero of the night as he saved an extra-time penalty to send the Blues to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The Premier League giants made a real meal of what was a favourable tie on paper. In fact, the Blues got off to a bad start as Macaulay Gilleshpey gave the visitors the lead with an eight-minute strike. The League One side went in level at the break after Cesar Azpilicueta drew the home side level in the 41st minute.
Despite dominating possession and crafting numerous opportunities, the Blues failed to find a way past Plymouth in regular time. Marcos Alonso rose to the challenge in extra time, putting the Premier League side up in the 105th minute of the match.
The Spaniard’s strike appeared to have won the game for the home side only for the Blues to concede a late penalty. With the dreaded penalty shootout lottery on the horizon, a big save was needed and Kepa obliged by not just stopping Ryan Hardie’s spot-kick but also holding onto it to prevent a rebound.
It all but took the fizz out of Plymouth and Chelsea closed out the game with little more to worry about. The performance was just the Spaniard’s latest heroics as he continues to rebuild his name at the Bridge.
The most expensive goalkeeper in history, Kepa has often struggled to do that title justice. Slowly yet readily he is coming into his own as a dependable goalkeeper. With Edouard Mendy still at the Africa Cup of Nations, Kepa’s form will give Thomas Tuchel a welcome headache when it comes to team selection.
We take a look at how some fans reacted to the 28-year-old’s heroics on Twitter.
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