Kepa Arrizabalaga

[OneMoSalah 8,883]

Justo ahora, Jype dijo:

I for one am not fully blaming Kepa for the Leicester goal because it really was a great shot byTielemans but still I don't think it's too much to ask a keeper to produce saves from shots like that even occasionally? Sometimes a shot is too good that it goes in and there's nothing that can be done about it but with Kepa it's like you just need to hit the corner from distance and it goes in like literally all of the times due to his short reach (with a hint of bad positioning too?).

Maybe the Tielemans shot would've gone in regardless of who's in goal but with someone like Mendy between the sticks there's at least the possibility of producing a great save every once in a while but with Kepa not so much.

Also, opposition players must fancy their chances when facing the keeper who's conceded most goals from shots outside the box in the last few years so I'd suppose even their coaches (assuming they've done their homework well enough) encourage their players to shoot on sight and then they just need to get lucky and/or get a clean hit on the ball. With a better keeper in goal they might not even bother trying to shoot from that far out and instead try to go forward and build a better chance inside the box.

And like someone commented, the players sure look like they feel a lot more comfortable playing with Mendy behind them. With a higher quality keeper in goal the defenders know they don't have to block every shot from distance and the big man will gather most of them with ease, so they can focus instead on trying to prevent a chance from being created inside the box. With Kepa they need to do both things at the same time and the defending gets unnecessarily complicated. 

Maybe and I can see the logic for it with regards to the defence and maybe Mendy gets closer to it. Still goes in either way for me and the closing down of Tieleman’s or space for him to run into has nothing to do with the defence having confidence in the keeper, its to do with effort. I mean it could be any GK in the world in the net you don’t close that space down what do people think was gonna happen? He was gonna pass it sideways or backwards because its goalkeeper X or Y? And not goalkeeper Z?

I mean occasionally some GKs will maybe save that (the very very top ones) but again its a maybe and a slim maybe at that. As Tomo did say, clutch GKs come up with clutch moments. I am not saying Mendy isn’t a top GK but okay if he gets closer that still doesn’t mean he is saving it. Increases the likelihood maybe but again I think the way he’s hit it its always getting away from Kepa cause its rising and probably the power on it doesn’t make it an easy save either. Like Ziyech v City goal for instance. 

hace 1 minuto, Jas dijo:

That is why Tomo said what he said. It wasn't an obvious error but there's a reason why a top keeper in such moment could be the difference. They could be the difference in a final between two equally matched teams. 

Moreover, as I pointed out in the Tuchel thread, we have always switched to the #1 keeper in the domestic cup competition once we get to the latter stages and Tuchel did the same when he was at Dortmund and PSG but he stuck with Kepa for the FA Cup final. Why? Is it because it's Kepa and his price tag? Had Caballero been starting our cup run instead, would Tuchel have selected him for the final? Probably not going by history. Let's not also forget that Tuchel has randomly decided to start Kepa in league games just because he did well in the cup game prior to that. 

And maybe Mendy doesn’t save it also... all I am going to say is take the whole extra days or more shooting practice and stats from last season when he was in a huge regression is a bit far fetched. In fact a bit would be an understatement. 

I mean I wish now Mendy did play so that for the same goal to go in as it did with Kepa people would see that the GK didn’t matter or obviously then if he saved it it changes the game yes. The lack of urgency to close Tielemans down and waiting for the whistle for a handball whichever way people feel about it was the issue.

I did think that after playing Kepa v Arsenal he’d revert to Mendy maybe but also didn’t completely rule it out. He played Kepa in a cup game then league game before to give him more minutes, I mean probably people are looking into it too much. And re doing well in cup games, Kepa didn’t do badly against Arsenal and whilst we conceded a daft goal, its nothing on him either which again though the Kepa’s fault brigade were out in force and perhaps if it weren’t Jorginho who made the pass it would have been even more than whst it was because we all know people love Jorginho...

[Jase 43,479]

2 minutes ago, OneMoSalah said:

And maybe Mendy doesn’t save it also... all I am going to say is take the whole extra days or more shooting practice and stats from last season when he was in a huge regression is a bit far fetched. In fact a bit would be an understatement. 

God knows! As Jype alluded to, Kepa isn't great at saving shots from distance. If opposing players see him in goal, they might as well try their luck and try to get a strike off. 

3 minutes ago, OneMoSalah said:

I did think that after playing Kepa v Arsenal he’d revert to Mendy maybe but also didn’t completely rule it out. He played Kepa in a cup game then league game before to give him more minutes, I mean probably people are looking into it too much. And re doing well in cup games, Kepa didn’t do badly against Arsenal and whilst we conceded a daft goal, its nothing on him either which again though the Kepa’s fault brigade were out in force and perhaps if it weren’t Jorginho who made the pass it would have been even more than whst it was because we all know people love Jorginho...

And why did Tuchel want to give the cup keeper more minutes? Because it was Kepa? Would Tuchel have done the same had it been Caballero instead? 

Compared to yesterday, I don't think anyone really blamed Kepa for that Arsenal loss. That was all on Jorginho and Zouma if one looks deeper. 

[OneMoSalah 8,883]

hace 11 minutos, Jas dijo:

God knows! As Jype alluded to, Kepa isn't great at saving shots from distance. If opposing players see him in goal, they might as well try their luck and try to get a strike off. 

And why did Tuchel want to give the cup keeper more minutes? Because it was Kepa? Would Tuchel have done the same had it been Caballero instead? 

Compared to yesterday, I don't think anyone really blamed Kepa for that Arsenal loss. That was all on Jorginho and Zouma if one looks deeper. 

Maybe but I think either way that sort of spaces being in front of someone is always going to encourage someone of Tieleman’s level to shoot...  Kepa, no Kepa, a brick wall, a sand bag, a scarecrow, whatever is in the net.

Who knows but people acting shocked that the probability of potentially starting Kepa or the likelihood of it was close to nil aren’t that daft... cmon. I think most of us expected it.

Oh I dont know, that Arsenal match thread there was plenty of Kepa bashing from the usuals and going onto say if we lose its his fault, never want to see him play again etc etc by folk who were overreacting lol. A lot of why was he positioned where he was also for the goal which was even more ironic and stupid considering the whole building from the back phase that has been in football for the last 10+ years and this is where GKs tend to be when the balls at certain sides to create passing angles. But it it wasnt Kepa it would be different. Thats the whole point I am making. Kepa does alright or good or whatever it doesn’t matter if we lose for any obscure reason or whatever. As I said, players get it the whole time it goes in cycles. But the majority of the Kepa outrage is completely unjustified from yesterday. The whole would Mendy or wouldnt Mendy save the goal as well or the “politics” etc wouldn’t have been a discussion if it were any other GK. 

Edited May 16, 2021 by OneMoSalah

[Jase 43,479]

2 minutes ago, OneMoSalah said:

Maybe but I think either way that sort of spaces being in front of someone is always going to encourage someone of Tieleman’s level to shoot...  Kepa, no Kepa, a brick wall, a sand bag, a scarecrow, whatever is in the net.

True but it doesn't change the fact that Kepa is bad at stopping shots from distance. Don't think anyone of us feels safe when he's in goal. The feeling is arguably worse than worrying our about the profligacy of our attackers down the other end.

6 minutes ago, OneMoSalah said:

Who knows but people acting shocked that the probability of potentially starting Kepa or the likelihood of it was close to nil aren’t that daft... cmon. I think most of us expected it.

Shock or not, it doesn't mean the decision Tuchel made was the right one or people have to agree with it.

[Tomo 21,751]

29 minutes ago, NikkiCFC said:

I absolutely find it ridiculous that people are analyzing Kepas game on pages over one world class shot while James who made mistake that lead to goal did not got a word.

I mean, I also wont say a bad word about Reece but it clearly shows how fans have double standards. Lesser mistake from Alonso against WBA and he was crucified for so long from fans but also from manager.

Because it's not a one off, Kepa has been beaten from this range systematically since he's arrived here. 

[Jase 43,479]

20 minutes ago, Tomo said:

Because it's not a one off, Kepa has been beaten from this range systematically since he's arrived here. 

Would also add that James' pass wasn't a blatant error that led directly to a goal - e.g. playing a blind pass to a striker, who then scores from 1 v 1. It was still far away from goal and we should have done better to stop the goal. Heck, Jorginho's pass in midweek was way worse than James'.

[OneMoSalah 8,883]

hace 56 minutos, Jas dijo:

True but it doesn't change the fact that Kepa is bad at stopping shots from distance. Don't think anyone of us feels safe when he's in goal. The feeling is arguably worse than worrying our about the profligacy of our attackers down the other end.

Shock or not, it doesn't mean the decision Tuchel made was the right one or people have to agree with it.

Yes but he he fact he is bad at it doesn’t mean he should have saved the goal Jason... or anyone else would of...

And true again, we dont have to agree with it but its hardly as if the decisions made to start Kepa cost us the final. Or that using a stat for 3/3 top corner goals being conceded last season or Kepa being announced to start gives any extra incentive or any extra motivation for people to practice shooting which you said... I mean let me guess if Kepa plays v Leicester next week and we aren’t good enough again, his fault?

Edited May 16, 2021 by OneMoSalah

[OneMoSalah 8,883]

hace 32 minutos, Jas dijo:

Would also add that James' pass wasn't a blatant error that led directly to a goal - e.g. playing a blind pass to a striker, who then scores from 1 v 1. It was still far away from goal and we should have done better to stop the goal. Heck, Jorginho's pass in midweek was way worse than James'.

Also apologies for the double posts didnt see this. And no ides how to Quote on a already posted post.

Re James’ pass the passing lane was pretty much well closed off though by Perez which is why it was stupid still and probably one of the examples of what Tuchel meant from trying to force it or our decisions not being good... plus hes got a bit more time no? And 5 yards to his right, Azpi is open, the easier and probably better pass there because then if we lose it there they aren’t coming straight at our backline with one of our midfielders out of position in behind their midfield line.

Yes if it comes off we’ve played through them but still a bit daft when you see Azpi being open but in hindsight if it comes off it comes off. Azpi being open though was like Gilmour and Chilwell were for Zouma’s role in the Arsenal goal. It was highlighted for Zouma so I didn’t think it was particularly wrong to highlight it for James there. Because it was an error that accounted towards that goal.

Its a little bit of inexperience maybe although you want more from the CMs or Silva to close it. Particularly Jorginho. Either way, harsh or not the first mistake is the pass thats cut out. Then the failure to close down. Then thats it although for some people, its probably Kepa’s mistake for not saving it (which I suppose I will just have to accept because the guy gets it every game 😂)... 

[Laylabelle 9,534]

Kepa just scares me. That goal...possibly couldve been saved but its done. Not one of his worse moments though! 

The price tag hasn't paid off...

[Jase 43,479]

37 minutes ago, OneMoSalah said:

Yes but he he fact he is bad at it doesn’t mean he should have saved the goal Jason... or anyone else would of...

And true again, we dont have to agree with it but its hardly as if the decisions made to start Kepa cost us the final. Or that using a stat for 3/3 top corner goals being conceded last season or Kepa being announced to start gives any extra incentive or any extra motivation for people to practice shooting which you said... I mean let me guess if Kepa plays v Leicester next week and we aren’t good enough again, his fault?

How many times do we need to point out? Kepa may not have been blatantly at fault for the goal but having a top class keeper could have made a difference in that moment. That's why we have always started the #1 keeper in the latter stages of the competition in past years. 

28 minutes ago, OneMoSalah said:

Re James’ pass the passing lane was pretty much well closed off though by Perez which is why it was stupid still and probably one of the examples of what Tuchel meant from trying to force it or our decisions not being good... plus hes got a bit more time no? And 5 yards to his right, Azpi is open, the easier and probably better pass there because then if we lose it there they aren’t coming straight at our backline with one of our midfielders out of position in behind their midfield line.

Yes if it comes off we’ve played through them but still a bit daft when you see Azpi being open but in hindsight if it comes off it comes off. Azpi being open though was like Gilmour and Chilwell were for Zouma’s role in the Arsenal goal. It was highlighted for Zouma so I didn’t think it was particularly wrong to highlight it for James there. Because it was an error that accounted towards that goal.

Would you say this if James had gotten the pass right? Given our incessant tendency to just pass backward and sideways, seeing someone trying to pass it forward in that instance isn't necessarily the worst of ideas. Moreover, it's not like Perez didn't block it with his hand, accidental or not...

[King Kante 1,643]

Wow, I find it amazing that some people on here are trying to defend Kepa even when they have a past history of bigging up RLC and making out like Mount was some sort of donkey. By now, I would've thought these people would've realised they should go a little more easy on their player analysis. However, it seems to be that a lot of people on here who appear to pick their players, then defend them to the hilt regardless of what is actually being seen on the pitch/in the data.

Anyhow, what I really want a Kepa defender to come up with is an analysis of what he does well? I mean seriously, please provide some in depth analysis of what he does well. Off the top of my head, the only thing I can think of is his ability to spring back up off the floor after diving as he is admittedly pretty quick at that. 

As for the goal yesterday, I see a lot of people saying it is unsavable. I really do not think that is the case.

First, is that Kepa does not move his feet yet again before the shot is hit, being the funsized GK he is, his footwork needs to be high level and it is not, watch other small GK's such as Navas and see how they anticipate where a shot it going when it comes from range and move accordingly. 

Second, he yet again, motioned his arms behind his back before attempting the save. This is a big feature of his play that is completely illogical as it means he has less time to save shots and a large reason for his 'weak wrists' as what is happening is that he is getting his hand to the ball too late. 

Third, and as someone who is 173cm, I feel his pain, but man, he is one short GK, with even shorter arms. With the distance that shot came from, Mendy with his reach gets over to it imo. I say this as whilst it went into the top corner, it wasn't right in the postage stamp. 

For me, the best thing that can possibly happen now is that the club accept that Kepa is a dud and allow him to become the most expensive member of the loan army or make him GK3. This is not coming after the game yesterday but something I have been saying since his first season. The kid is just not good enough. For me, I do not want him as a GK2 as next season we could lose Mendy for 4-6 weeks and everyone knows with him in goal it is shoot on site. We really cannot afford to play him.

Edited May 16, 2021 by King Kante

[OneMoSalah 8,883]

hace 1 hora, Jas dijo:

How many times do we need to point out? Kepa may not have been blatantly at fault for the goal but having a top class keeper could have made a difference in that moment. That's why we have always started the #1 keeper in the latter stages of the competition in past years. 

Would you say this if James had gotten the pass right? Given our incessant tendency to just pass backward and sideways, seeing someone trying to pass it forward in that instance isn't necessarily the worst of ideas. Moreover, it's not like Perez didn't block it with his hand, accidental or not... 

There is no “may” about it. Nothing he could do. And Mendy “could” of made the save is the same as Mendy “could not” of made the save in the fact its a non event because he didn’t play so we will never truly know. I suppose if we concede any similar goals with Mendy we will see.

The top GK bit I understand but you were spouting about Tuchel giving Leicester some sort of extra incentive to do shooting training before by announcing him starting 3 days early which is probably one of the silliest/over the top/clutching at straws excuses I’ve seen in a long time and if it were for any other player I am sure you’d think the same. Footballer who is good at shooting, unopposed for 3 or 4 metres, not getting closed down, in a cup final that is 0-0, I am sorry but it could be anyone in net, they are shooting 100% because well look what happened. Nobody will probably ever forget that goal from a Leicester standpoint for years.

But even the price tag/financial aspect to club politics, it was Torres before years ago and now its Kepa. Its reaching, he played Kepa two games in a row before and we it was the same “club politics/inferring that he was coerced into it”... yes we have to sell him/loan him/whatever but why would they force Tuchel to play him in a cup final? Or at all. Maybe TT felt like after the Arsenal game he wanted to give him another game because of the goal we conceded that maybe took away the cleansheet? Or maybe he felt he played well v Arsenal? Or maybe it will be one of his last chances to play for us in a cup final? I mean who knows. Did anyone make any wild accusations for Alonso starting over Chilwell or anything as conspicuous? Which was probably much more controversial than Mendy not starting. Even more so when you see the sudden change when Chilwell came in.

Re James: it wouldn’t have led to a goal if he got the pass right but don’t pretend it wasn’t risky either way. More so if you watch it back, why isn’t Azpi asking for the ball when he has acres of space too. They’ve got 3 men in our half in those central areas prior to him trying to play the ball to take the option to Jorginho out of the game and to congest that area. Even more so look at the actual movement and positioning of Perez basically blocking the pass off to Kante as James goes to play it. You could see it happening before it happened, he almost telegraphed what he was going to do but still why he didn’t notice or choose Azpi who is 5 yards away with acres of space and nobody within metres of him? 

And unfortunately for Reece its the only mistake he made all match, where he actually defended Vardy excellently in the role he was put in to do but it ended up being a big one. Maybe due to inexperience or not being fully aware of what was all around him but trying to force it through when Perez is well positioned to make an interception or contact on the ball to take the 3/4 players out of the game for Leicester is a bit ambitious. I mean just watch it back, it’s a sloppy ball and either way has to be marked as a mistake. 

[manpe 10,861]

It was Tuchel's fault first and foremost for starting him. Kepa can't be blamed for an uncontested worldie going in, in that sense he's not at fault. He is also not at fault for the hand-ball that created the chance and for nobody closing Tielemans down. It was a mix of bad/corrupt refereeing and bad defending that he had to face that shot. We know who he is so we can't be mad at him playing at his level. But the thing is, it's a cup final and if you've studied him before, you just know he isn't going to save shots like this... Which is okay, not everybody can be so good. But when you have a goalie who is capable of saves likes that, then why not increase the chances of winning the cup by playing him? Kepa already played against Arsenal, he got his minutes.

I also don't think it is a coincidence that we lost the last two games he started. He was not directly at fault of anything, but the defence is visibly more nervous with him in goal. They all try to get something on the ball before it reaches Kepa, they don't want him to deal with shots or high balls into the box because they're shitscared. Having Mendy in goal transformed our season and I am not shocked at all to see us quivering when reverting back to Kepa. We have to get rid of him, because the price tag will keep pressuring TT and next coaches to play him more than he should.

Edited May 17, 2021 by manpe

[King Kante 1,643]

2 hours ago, manpe said:

It was Tuchel's fault first and foremost for starting him. Kepa can't be blamed for an uncontested worldie going in, in that sense he's not at fault. He is also not at fault for the hand-ball that created the chance and for nobody closing Tielemans down. It was a mix of bad/corrupt refereeing and bad defending that he had to face that shot. We know who he is so we can't be mad at him playing at his level. But the thing is, it's a cup final and if you've studied him before, you just know he isn't going to save shots like this... Which is okay, not everybody can be so good. But when you have a goalie who is capable of saves likes that, then why not increase the chances of winning the cup by playing him? Kepa already played against Arsenal, he got his minutes.

I also don't think it is a coincidence that we lost the last two games he started. He was not directly at fault of anything, but the defence is visibly more nervous with him in goal. They all try to get something on the ball before it reaches Kepa, they don't want him to deal with shots or high balls into the box because they're shitscared. Having Mendy in goal transformed our season and I am not shocked at all to see us quivering when reverting back to Kepa. We have to get rid of him, because the price tag will keep pressuring TT and next coaches to play him more than he should.

Sorry, but the club have to accept they brought a dud. His fee and wages are a completely sunk cost. No way do we get anything better than a loan with maybe 20% of his wages covered. The kid is just not a good player. Personally, I would rank him as a GK2 for a run of the mill La Liga side, maybe a starting GK for a Spanish side in their division below La Liga. 

As I have stated before, can anyone actually provide any detailed analysis of what he does well? I mean seriously, one thing? I ask as I really struggle to see anything that would make me even comfortable to have him as a GK2, as a GK2 can sometimes be required to play for months. 

[MoroccanBlue 5,375]

It is rather interesting because Tuchel only has 18 months. These decisions could cost him an extension.