Thomas Tuchel’s previous praise for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's penalty-saving ability came to the fore once again at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues were pushed all the way to extra-time against League One Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round, though they can thank the Spaniard ’s crucial penalty save in the final minutes for their progression to the fifth round.
Macaulay Gillesphey’s header from an in-swinging free-kick gave the visitors a dream start to a potential giant-killing at the Bridge.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta found a response just before half-time with a front-post flick to draw level.
The Blues, who were without head coach Thomas Tuchel at the game due to a positive Covid test, were unable to find a winner in normal time though and had to play an extra 30 minutes.
Marcos Alonso finished off a great move from the home side just before the halfway mark in extra-time, getting on the end of a Kai Havertz cross from the left.
The drama was hardly over there though, as a mistake at the back gave the ball away and defender Malang Sarr made a challenge in the box to give away a penalty.
With Edouard Mendy away on AFCON duty with Senegal, it was up to Kepa to step up and keep the away side from drawing level.
The shot-stopper did just that, diving to his left to keep hold of the shot and make sure that the Blues saw out the remainder of the game.
It’s not the first time that the Spaniard has shown his penalty saving heroics, having done so in the European Super Cup when he came off the bench for the shootout.
Tuchel has previously been full of praise for his ability to save spot kicks, saying back in August: "So we had some statistics, we were well prepared, that Kepa is the best in percentage in saving penalties.
"The analysis guys and the goalkeeping coaches showed me, introduced me to the data, then we spoke with the players, that this can happen when we play in a knockout game, and since then they know.
"There is proof that Kepa is better at this discipline.”
Chelsea fans were also full of praise for Kepa, taking to social media to discuss his performance.
@CfcSheikh: “My keeper. PENALTY HEROO.”
@CFCPys: “KEPA YOU LEGEND.”
@Vintage_Cfc: “KEPA YOU LEGEND.”
@CFCARMY12: “KEPAAA THE GREATEST PENALTY STOPPER EVER.”
@CFCLamps_: “KEPAAAAA MY PENALTY SPECIALIST.”
