‘To fall and rise' - Kepa breaks silence after Carabao Cup penalty shocker for Chelsea vs Liverpool
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has broken his silence after sending the decisive penalty in the Carabao Cup final shootout defeat to Liverpool sailing high over the crossbar.
The Spain international was brought on to replace Edouard Mendy in the final minutes of extra-time at Wembley on Sunday so that he could try and keep the Reds out from 12 yards after 120 minutes failed to produce a winner.
The first 20 penalties hit the back of the net as everybody held their nerve, leading to the two teams' goalkeepers having to settle the tie - with Caoimhin Kelleher converting for Liverpool before Kepa fluffed his lines.
What has been said?
Kepa was consoled by team-mates after blazing his spot-kick into the crowd and has vowed to bounce back stronger.
Kepa, who remains the most expensive goalkeeper in world football having moved to Stamford Bridge for £71 million ($95m) in the summer of 2018, posted on social media: “To fall and rise.
“Disappointed after the big effort during the tournament. We keep working. Thanks Chelsea family for your support.”
To fall and rise.
— Kepa Arrizabalaga (@kepa_46) February 27, 2022
Disappointed after big effort during the tournament.
We keep working.
Thanks @chelseafc family for your support. pic.twitter.com/yu2FkZlG4h
Watch Kepa penalty sail over the bar
SCENES!!! 🤯
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 27, 2022
Kepa Arrizabalaga misses the 22nd penalty after being subbed on for the shoot-out! 😨 pic.twitter.com/yLIOIQWdUD
KEPA MISSED IT 🤯
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 27, 2022
LIVERPOOL ARE CHAMPIONS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zCcEccrgnQ
What happened?
After Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher sent his penalty beyond the Spain international, it was Kepa's turn to step up.
The 27-year-old saw his effort go sailing over the net, the only miss in the entire shootout, which saw Jurgen Klopp's side crowned Carabao Cup winners.