Many were shocked when Edouard Mendy's name was read out as part of the Chelsea starting line-up at around 2pm at Stamford Bridge.
It was the 31-year-old's first start for the Blues since the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United way back in November. Since then, there's been a World Cup and a change in management. Those at Chelsea needed to experiment with the goalkeeper at least one more time before an important summer transfer window.
Mistakes are what led to Mendy being dropped from the starting XI last year by former head coach Graham Potter. Kepa Arrizabalaga came in for the Senegal international and the Spaniard started well. But as the season has gone on, Kepa has become susceptible to the odd mistake again. So there have been some calls for Mendy to come back into the side with Chelsea virtually having nothing left to play for this season.
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However, it was just 13 minutes into his return until Mendy made another error. He came flying out to punch a cross from Renan Lodi but he got nowhere near the ball and Taiwo Awoniyi headed into what was an open goal. In the process, Mendy almost collided with Thiago Silva.
It was another individual error from a goalkeeper that has led to a goal against Chelsea this season – something that has happened far too often. The club are seriously considering goalkeeper options ahead of the summer transfer window, with the recruitment team already discussing multiple different avenues to go down.
David Raya of Brentford is very highly thought of, football.london understands, with numerous clubs said to be interested in the Bees goalkeeper. Andre Onana of Inter Milan is someone who has been liked by the club for a while, stretching back to the days when Roman Abramovich was owner.
Mauricio Pochettino, who is still expected to become Chelsea's new head coach in time for next season, has a lot to do when he takes over the first-team. This summer is set to see numerous players leave the club and it could spell the end for both Mendy and Kepa, who have both failed to convince they should be the first-choice goalkeeper in west London.
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