Chelsea beat Villarreal 6-5 on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night in Belfast. This came after the sides played out an evenly matched 1-1 draw after extra time.
The Blues started as the better team in the first half and their good start was rewarded as Hakim Ziyech slotted in a cross from Kai Havertz in the 27th minute.
The Spanish side was the better side for the majority of the second half. Their perseverance was rewarded in the 73rd minute after Gerard Moreno finished off a good passing sequence, which started with Antonio Rudiger’s poor clearance.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, proved to be the hero after he was introduced late in extra-time as a substitute for the shootout by Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel’s decision proved to be a wise one, as the Spanish goalkeeper saved two penalties – including the decisive stop from Raul Albiol – to help Chelsea bring home early-season silverware.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said Edouard Mendy was happy to stand down in favour of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Why Was Mendy Replaced By Kepa?
Commenting on the tactical switch of the goalkeepers Tuchel said the following after the match.
“It was not spontaneous. We talked about it with the goalkeepers when we came in the first cup game against Barnsley. We had some statistics.
“We were well prepared that Kepa has the best percentage at saving penalties. The analysing guys, the goalkeeper coaches showed me and introduced me to the data and then we spoke to the players and told them it could happen in cup games.
“We spoke to the players and Edou was fantastic. We do what we need to do for the team.
“There is proof that Kepa is better in this discipline and these guys are true team players. I am happy for Kepa and for Edou to have a goalkeeper like this that does not show the pride to not step off the field. He is happy to do this for the team and take this for the team.”
In an interview after the match both goalkeepers also spoke about the move. Mendy said that winning trophies is a team effort that sometimes even requires two goalkeepers.
What’s Next For Chelsea?
The Blues will be back in action on Saturday as they face Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener.
Speaking on BT Sport, Rio Ferdinand believes that Chelsea will feel they will be able to compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title this season.
Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League last season, some 19 points adrift of champions City.
The expected arrival of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan could give Chelsea the edge in the title race. This might prove true especially if Manchester City are unable to bring in Harry Kane.
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