Kepa Arrizabalaga starred between the posts for the Blues at Villa Park on Sunday, and he spoke afterwards about the collective effort that went into the win and the key to his own impressive performance.
The Spaniard made seven saves in Birmingham, six before the break. That is the highest number of stops Kepa has made in a single Premier League game, and two of them, to deny Jacob Ramsey and Danny Ings, were world-class, both among the very best he has made in a Chelsea shirt.
They ensured Mason Mount’s early goal was not cancelled out by the hosts, and a smoother second half was made even more relaxing when Mount whipped in a superb free-kick.
‘I’m really happy because of the win and because I helped the team,’ said Kepa.
‘It’s a really tough stadium to play. We started the game very well, we controlled, we scored first, but after scoring we dropped a little bit our performance with the ball. We lost the control and we struggled in the last 20, 25 minutes of the first half.
‘In half-time we changed a little bit and in the second half we managed the game much better. After a big win away in the Champions League, it’s not easy coming again to the Premier League, be focused, go away, travel.
‘We are winning at big stadiums. Winning here is not easy, winning in Milan is not easy. We are getting the manager’s ideas better and better.’
Graham Potter has entrusted Kepa with the gloves since taking over, and that despite Edouard Mendy’s return to full fitness earlier this month.
The 28-year-old has repaid his new head coach’s faith with a string of solid performances, although yesterday’s performance was of the spectacular variety. His saves from Ramsey and Ings especially showcased not only his reaction speed but also his instincts, with the latter’s chance a golden one from point-blank range.
‘We work on these types of things during the week, but then in the game it’s completely different. You have no time to think. You have to be ready because anything can happen.
‘I’m feeling very well, with confidence, with and without the ball,’ added Kepa of his form.
‘Self-confidence and belief in your work, in what you’re doing, and belief in the process is very important.
‘Of course I had really tough moments. I had really good moments, but in the end it’s like life. You have ups and downs and you have to be strong mentally, sticking with your ideas and keeping working. Now I am enjoying all the work.’
So are we!