Following Liverpool’s triumph over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp revealed he was far from pleased with Kepa Arrizabalaga's attitude.
The Blues goalkeeper came off the bench towards the end of extra time, replacing Edouard Mendy in goal. The two teams failed to find the net over the course of 120 minutes of tense football. Arrizabalaga couldn't save a single penalty and also missed a crucial spot kick to hand Liverpool the trophy. Redknapp has taken offense with the star's attitude following the loss.
Speaking after the match, Redknapp told the press via Mirror:
"I hope it puts to bed the substitutions now of putting goalkeepers on. Edouard Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and you bring on Kepa instead of him, ridiculous."
"I didn’t like his (Kepa's) behaviour when the penalties were being taken and then he took one of the worst penalties you’ve ever seen. I don’t like it, I don’t understand why you do it. You have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he should’ve stayed in there in the first place," he added.
Liverpool will be looking to add more trophies to their cabinet this season, with the English giants still looking strong in the Champions League. The Reds beat Inter Milan 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash earlier this month. Liverpool are also involved in the Premier League title race and trail league leaders Manchester City by just six points. They also have a game in hand over Pep Guardiola's side.
Chelsea will have their Club World Cup trophy as a consolation this season, as well as their UEFA Super Cup trophy. The Blues still have a chance to win the Champions League, although the Premier League looks out of reach for them now. Chelsea are third on the table, 16 points behind City, albeit with two games in hand. The London side are also alive in the FA Cup and will play Luton Town in the fifth round on Wednesday.
Kepa Arrizabalaga loses penalty shootout for Chelsea to hand Liverpool the Carabao Cup
It was a stunning twist of fate for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who came on late in extra time to handle the penalty shootout for Chelsea.
While he was unable to stop any of the Reds' penalties from going in, the Spaniard also missed a golden opportunity to keep the Blues in the shootout. Both sides had managed to score consistently, with all 20 outfield players putting their penalties in the back of the net.
However, while Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher managed to beat Kepa, the Blues goalie blasted his chance over the bar. Mason Mount and Antonio Rudiger notably consoled the star, putting their arms around him.
The Spanish shot-stopper was the hero for Chelsea in August when he made two saves in the shootout during the Blues' Super Cup win over Villarreal.