Jamie Redknapp criticised Kepa Arrizabalaga after how easily he allowed Everton’s second goal
Jamie Redknapp did not hold back in his criticism of Kepa Arrizabalaga after the keeper conceded the second goal following Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Everton last night.
After Kai Havertz successfully converted a penalty in the 76th minute, Chelsea held the advantage for the majority of the match.
However, the Blues conceded a second goal when Ellis Simms comfortably skipped past Kalidou Koulibaly and put the ball past Kepa, who was able to get to it but was slow to react to the shot. This isn’t the first time Kepa has been poor in front of the goal. He has easily been defeated numerous times in front of the goal.
Oliver Skipp’s long-range goal in Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 win over Chelsea on February 26 comfortably eluded Kepa, while Karim Adeyemi’s shot could easily have been dealt with if Kepa had been quick to respond.
It has been questioned if the Blues should stick with the Spanish goalkeeper or hunt for another one because of how slowly he reacts during the games and his small stature.
After the game (h/t Football.London), Redknapp expressed his dissatisfaction with Kepa’s response to Ellis Simms’ goal and said Kepa could have prevented the goal:
“The keeper is so poor [for the Simms goal]. He doesn’t make nearly enough saves… The keeper should do better.”
Kepa’s slow reaction is the reason Chelsea have been conceding goals, although the defence has also been leaky. But the 28-year-old is also to blame for, though, is not agile, and there have been several occasions when he has let simple goals through.
The fact that he did not play much when Édouard Mendy was the starter may be the cause of his inability to develop his confidence in goal. However, Kepa will have to pick himself up and show composure and personality, and he should work on his reflexes when operating between the sticks.
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And Chelsea are undoubtedly searching for his replacement, and if the Blues find a reliable goalie before next season, his time could be up. He still, however, has two months left to show the club that they were right in going all out to sign him as Thibaut Courtois’ replacement all those years back.
