Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has encouraged goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to stand up under scrutiny following the Blues’ wasteful 2-2 Premier League draw against Arsenal on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge.
Spanish shot-stopper Kepa’s form has been called into question off late and the most expensive keeper in the world appeared slow to react to Hector Bellerin’s curling equalizer in the 87th minute which forced Chelsea into settling for a point against their fierce London rivals.
Jorginho and Cesar Azpilicueta scored either side of Gabriel Martinelli’s solo effort but the west London outfit was left to rue two dropped points despite having a man advantage for over an hour in the game due to David Luiz’s red card.
When asked about the 25-year-old and the critics around him at the moment, Lampard revealed that he wants Kepa to show some mettle amid the focus that has been centered on the keeper, “I know there’s a focus on him at the minute, That’s top-line football. Yeah, with his feet, a couple of times he took too long and nearly gave it away. Sometimes that can change the momentum of a game. That’s something he will know, has to look at and we will look at. It’s normal. Any player, particularly goalkeepers, people will look at you. That’s when you stand up and show the mettle you’ve got. He is not the only one.
The 41-year-old Lampard further concluded by stating that he needs to look at the finer details to improve, “We are in fourth position, which is seen as pretty good. I know and we know there should be another 10 points on the board at least on performance. All of us need to look at those finer details.”
