Victory justifies Sarri’s decision to drop Kepa

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said his decision to drop goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was justified after his side’s 2-0 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, but insisted the Spaniard would soon be back between the posts.

Arrizabalaga was fined by the club for his refusal to be substituted by Sarri near the end of extra time in Sunday’s League Cup final defeat by Manchester City.

The humiliating incident increased the pressure on Sarri, but he responded in bold fashion to select Willy Caballero for the Premier League derby, saying the decision was to “send a message” to his players.

Asked about leaving Arrizabalaga, the world’s most expensive keeper, on the bench for such a crucial game, Sarri said: “I think it was the right decision. Kepa made the wrong decision.

“He paid the club and he paid with the team. But now we have to stop. In one of the next two for sure (he will play).

“You are young you can make mistakes, but you need to understand after every mistake.

“But now for me the matter is closed.”

Sarri’s position at Chelsea certainly looks brighter than it did a few days ago, with his side back in the race for a top-four finish in the league.

A 57th-minute goal by Pedro gave them the lead and they were gifted a second by Kieran Trippier’s own goal.

Caballero, making his first league appearance of the season, was rarely troubled as Chelsea contained Tottenham’s attack.

Chelsea remain sixth but are three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, two behind Manchester United and seven behind Tottenham, but have played a game less than all three.

“It was really important tonight because we are fighting for the top four,” Sarri said, suggesting that talk of a crisis at Stamford Bridge had been overblown.

“Perhaps we are now involving Tottenham in this fight – the gap is very large, seven points, but we have a game in hand.” |