Kepa Enthusiastically Replaces Mendy in Guarding Chelsea's Goal at City Headquarters

MANCHESTER -- The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations has been a blessing in disguise for Kepa Arrizabalaga. Ahead of and during the Black Continent football party, Kepa was trusted to guard the Chelsea goal from the first minute in the last few matches. That's because the Blues' main goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, is out of action for the Senegal national team at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kepa's status temporarily changed from a spare tire to become the first choice. Included in the bigmatch in sight. Thomas Tuchel's polished squad meets Manchester City in week 22 of the 2021/22 English Premier League season. The duel took place at the Etihad Stadium, City headquarters, Saturday (15/1) evening WIB.

"I have been waiting for this moment to play for a long time. So I am ready to take the opportunity," said the Spanish goalkeeper, quoted from his club's official website.

He has been in various situations. Mendy's arrival made Kepa sit more on the bench. Not something easy for him. At first it felt heavy. But over time, he made peace with the situation. At the same time, he did not stop working hard.

"I think now I'm fine. I helped the team and I'm very happy about that," said Kepa.

He also played a role in qualifying Chelsea to the Carabao Cup final. In the last four, the Blues eliminated Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 on aggregate. Tuchel's net remained a virgin in two games.

Now the focus of Kepa and his colleagues is towards the City of Manchester. They faced the leader of the elite competition standings of Queen Elisazeth's country. The children of the city of London are in second place.

By pocketing 43 points, Chelsea is 10 points behind City on the throne. This means that if you lose, the distance between the two teams will widen. The Blues will be increasingly difficult to catch the defending champion.

Blue London troops also have to be wary of Liverpool. The Reds are third with 42 points. City rivals Everton have one game pending that has not been played.

In this tight position, victory is a fixed price to make the competition at the top even more alive. Otherwise, City will be increasingly unattainable up front.