Chelsea might have hammered Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, but Gary Neville still says he ‘can’t accept’ their goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spaniard was certainly not to blame for Arsenal’s only goal of the game but he did look a bit nervy early on in the match in Baku, with a poor punch from a cross which nearly gifted the Gunners the lead.
There was also a close call when Alexandre Lacazette appealed for a penalty against him, but nothing was given, rightfully so.
However, despite these errors being fairly minor and Kepa being on the winning side, former Manchester United and England defender Neville was extremely critical of the keeper.
Neville tweeted: ‘Nothing personal but I just can’t accept a keeper like Kepa. He would make every defence a nervous wreck.’
Nothing personal but I just can’t accept a keeper like Kepa. He would make every defence a nervous wreck.
P.s probably man of the match now ! ??♂️
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) May 29, 2019
Kepa has had a largely positive first season at Chelsea since arriving from Athletic Bilbao in the summer for £71m.
He has played in 54 games across all competitions, conceding 50 goals and keeping 23 clean sheets, seven of which came in their unbeaten run to the Europa League title.
Only Liverpool and Manchester City conceded fewer goals than Chelsea in the Premier League this campaign, during which Kepa played 36 of 38 matches.
Given he is only 24-years-old, the criticism from Neville could be construed as a bit harsh, although he did admit that the keeper could turn things around after his criticism early in the match by adding: ‘P.s probably man of the match now !’
Goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro and a brace from Eden Hazard gave Chelsea the comfortable 4-1 victory over the Gunners in Baku, despite a brilliant late consolation from Alex Iwobi.
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