As Chelsea's goalkeeper, Kepa appreciates Potter's support.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is grateful for Graham Potter’s trust after another outstanding performance in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Brentford on Wednesday.
Although Chelsea dropped points in the Premier League for the first time under Potter due to a lack of chances, they owed it to Kepa to keep their unbeaten record under the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager.
Chelsea kept their fifth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions, thanks to five saves from Kepa, three of which came to deny Ivan Toney.
The Spaniard, who was reportedly surplus to requirements under Potter’s predecessor, Thomas Tuchel, has been given a new lease on life in recent weeks and is relishing his chance to play for the team.
“I’m feeling great, and I’m confident both with and without the ball. I’m happy because I feel like I’m assisting the team when they need it “Kepa informed Amazon Prime.
“Of course, every player requires this confidence, this push, and I believe it is even more important for the goalkeeper when there is consistency.
“When you’re not playing, it’s not the same as training for a goalkeeper. I must persevere and continue to work.
“We’re not happy because I believe they had chances, but we also had chances, and we spent the last fifteen minutes playing in their box. Our impression is that we lost two points.”
Kepa has now kept five clean sheets in eight appearances this season (in all competitions), while Chelsea has recorded eight shutouts in their last 11 Premier League away London derbies, winning nine of them (D1 L1).
Chelsea, on the other hand, only managed to hit the target with five of their 14 attempts (36%) against Thomas Frank’s tenacious hosts, three of which came after the 85th minute.
Despite the Blues’ lack of inventiveness, Potter refused to criticize his team, telling Amazon Prime: “We are always disappointed when we do not win, but a point is about fair over the course of the game.
“We anticipated a tough game. The spirit is good for us because we gave everything we had. It’s not easy with our schedule, but the boys gave it their all, and I’m proud of them.
“We could have done better in the first half, but you have to give credit to your opponent.”
Chelsea appeared to have suffered another injury blow when Conor Gallagher was replaced after 15 minutes, but Potter revealed the England midfielder was feeling unwell and should return soon.
“I haven’t spoken with the doctors yet,” Potter said of Gallagher. “He expected to be sick, so hopefully it’s just a 24-hour thing and he’ll be fine.”
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