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After just six games of the new season, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel may already be facing a tough decision.
The Blues have won three, lost two and drawn one of their Premier League matches so far, and have kept just one clean sheet during that time.
Edouard Mendy has been named in the starting lineup in every game for Chelsea thus far, but there is now a chance that his consistent starts could be coming to an end.
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The Senegal international has been error prone as of late, something that could be causing concern for Tuchel.
In the trip to Leeds United a couple weeks ago, he gifted the hosts their first goal as the Yorkshire outfit went on to claim all three points.
Mendy also conceded at his near post against Leicester City last weekend, and many believe he could have done better for the goals conceded against Southampton.
More recently, the goalkeeper was at fault in the buildup to Michail Antonio’s goal for West Ham in the 2-1 win on Saturday.
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Following a set piece situation Mendy failed to properly clear the danger, with the Hammers soon taking advantage of the situation.
Despite it being eventually disallowed by VAR, he also showed poor goalkeeping for Maxwel Cornet’s strike just moments after Kai Havertz’s winner.
After the match Tuchel revealed that the 30-year-old picked up an injury in the dramatic win, and the German boss will continue to support him amid a rough patch of form in between the sticks.
“He was in a lot of pain and we have to see. It’s too early to comment on that. I think at the moment he is a bit unlucky in what he is doing.
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“In training, he is fantastic and he is in general a very calm and self-reflective guy who is aware that he lacks a little bit of luck at the moment.
"Things do not go in his favour. If he has maybe a situation where his action isn’t 100% clear, he gets punished for it massively. He is just in this moment and it feels like it’s not so much his fault.
“I have the feeling because he tries everything, is very calm and focused. We will keep on supporting him.”
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Since he signed in 2020, Mendy has been a great signing for Chelsea.
His performances in their Champions League winning run will always be remembered, with the goalkeeper bailing his side out on various occasions with superb saves.
However, given his recent mistakes for the Blues, it might be time for him to sit on the bench and allow Kepa Arrizabalaga some time in goal.
When Mendy was absent from the side due to his participation at the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, Kepa was named as their starting goalkeeper.
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The Spaniard did well during that time, but soon returned to the bench upon Mendy’s return from glory.
Tuchel must now decide whether or not to take a gamble and hand Kepa some starts for Chelsea in the next few games.
He could be in contention for the Champions League tie against Dinamo Zagreb, especially if Mendy is injured from the win against West Ham.
A fresh change in goal could make the difference in the coming fixtures, especially if Chelsea are struggling to keep clean sheets.
Such a call would be a statement from Tuchel, but the omissions of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz from the starting lineup against West Ham proves he is not afraid to make difficult decisions.
Time will tell if it pays off and it may seem obvious, but Chelsea need to start conceding less goals if they are to have any chance of success this season.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga
Robert Calcutt