Chelsea boss Graham Potter has lauded goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and hailed the support from Edouard Mendy and Marcus Bettinelli.
In the past few weeks Kepa has been the number one choice in goal for the Blues, with usual option Mendy facing time on the sidelines through injury.
However, Chelsea have been in fine form ever since the Spaniard has started in between the sticks.
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Kepa has now been able to keep four consecutive clean sheets across all competitions, with the west London side also doing their bit at the other end of the pitch.
He made a series of top saves on Sunday afternoon against Aston Villa, with Chelsea winning 2-0 thanks to the goalkeeper’s efforts and goals from Mason Mount.
Potter’s side remain fourth in the Premier League table thanks to the victory, and the head coach has now commented on the efforts from Kepa.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Brentford on Wednesday night via football.london, he was asked if Kepa is now his number one choice to play in goal for the side.
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He replied: "I always think it's better to let football decide and Kepa has done really well.
“He has been supported fantastically by Edou (Edouard Mendy) and Bets (Marcus Bettinelli) and they've provided good competition.
"But Kepa's form is really pleasing for everybody, especially him. So it's nice we've got competition in that area because we need that in the team.
“We need to push each other and it's how players get better."
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Kepa was one of Chelsea’s heroes in the first half against Villa as he made a trio of saves to deny the hosts a goal before the break.
The Blues then sealed the result in the second half through Mount’s free-kick, their fifth consecutive win across all competitions.
Potter revealed his confusion over the criticism of the England international, who has now found his form for Chelsea after a slow start to the season.
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The 47-year-old said: "It's a joy. He's a fantastic person, loves to play football and loves the club.
“Surprising I get questions over mixed opinion... I find it strange. He's got everything you need to be a top, top player."
Chelsea’s clash against Brentford on Wednesday night is just one of a number of matches they will compete in within the next few weeks.
Potter’s side face a busy schedule in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup before they break for the World Cup in November.
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Edouard Mendy
Robert Calcutt