Chelsea: Jamie Carragher urges Frank Lampard to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga
Goalkeeper has been far from convincing since arriving in London two years ago
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has urged Chelsea to replace goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga if they are to mount a serious title charge in the Premier League next season.
Kepa arrived at Stamford Bridge from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 as the most expensive keeper in the world, costing £71 million, but the 25-year-old has failed to impress for the Blues.
And Carragher believes that former Chelsea midfielder and current head coach Frank Lampard has a decision to make around the shotstopper if the club are to progress.
“Chelsea will go no further unless they change the goalkeeper,” said Carragher, who won the Champions League with Liverpool among other trophies, when speaking to Sky Sports.
“It is an area that – if they want to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City – they will have to rectify in the summer.
“I know they keep buying a lot of attackers, but you see how many goals they have conceded. I think a lot of that is down to the goalkeeper, if I am being totally honest.”
Chelsea brought in winger Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund last year, and Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner will bolster the Blues’ frontline next term. However, it is at the other end of the pitch that Lampard’s side have struggled.
In their last game, Chelsea were beaten 5-3 by champions Liverpool. While none of the goals Kepa conceded at Anfield were directly his fault, his stats this season have been worrying.
Expected-goals data suggests that the Spaniard should have conceded approximately 34 goals this term, calculated with analysis of shots he has faced. He has conceded 47 goals, and that may end up costing his side a Champions League place.
Chelsea host Wolves on Sunday as the Premier League season comes to an end, with Lampard’s team needing a draw to secure a place in European football’s elite competition.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments