Chelsea 0-1 Man City: Kepa’s mistake is even worse from aerial view

In case you were not aware, the 2022/23 Premier League title race is on.

On Tuesday evening, Arsenal dropped points at home to Newcastle United in an eventful 0-0 draw, paving the way for Manchester City to reduce the deficit.

And they did just by beating Chelsea 1-0 under the lights at Stamford Bridge.

A second half goal from Riyad Mahrez, assisted by Jack Grealish, was enough for the current champions to claim all three points.

City are now just five points behind Arsenal, although they have to travel to bitter rivals Manchester United next in the Premier League.

But the Gunners take on Tottenham Hotspur away from home the same weekend, so it’s going to be a very interesting round of fixtures – to say the least.

Could Kepa have done better for City’s goal? LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea looks dejected after Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City ( not pictured ) scores the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Mahrez’s goal against Chelsea was a sweeping City move, however, Kepa Arrizabalaga could surely have done far better for Grealish’s ball right across the face of goal.

The Spanish goalkeeper – who lest we forget cost a whopping £72 million – was barely a foot away from the ball, but decided to let it go straight past him instead of intervening.

That allowed Mahrez to tap in from all of two yards out.

Yeah, it was a bit of a howler from Kepa and aerial footage of the goal shows just how baffling his bold decision was.

Check it out…

Video: Aerial view of Man City’s goal vs Chelsea

Wow. If you’re a Chelsea or Arsenal fan, that’s gotta hurt – hurt a lot.

Marc Cucurella and Cesar Azpilicueta’s defending in the build-up was suspect at best, but most of the blame has to lie with Kepa.

All he had to do was move forward with a bit of speed and collect the ball, which would have prevented it rolling into Mahrez’s path for the easiest of goals.

Make that decision next time, Kepa.

Chelsea’s injury crisis worsens vs City LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Raheem Sterling of Chelsea looks on after leaving the field following medical treatment and being replaced by substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ( not pictured ) during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Ahead of the 1-0 defeat to City, Chelsea’s injury list was rather long and a few more names were added on Thursday.

Raheem Sterling had to leave the field of play in the opening minutes of the match, while Christian Pulisic also hobbled off with a knock during the first half.

Read more – Christian Pulisic: What did Man City’s John Stones do to Chelsea star?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replaced Sterling early doors, although the striker’s lack of impact on proceedings saw him hauled back off by Graham Potter in the 68th minute.

Ouch…

Premier League quiz: Can you name these 40 players from the 2010s?

1 of 40

We’ll start easy…

Michu Chico Flores

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