Graham Potter hails ‘Kepa Arrizabalaga’ in win over Aston Villa

Graham Potter has described Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as ‘world class’ after finding his ‘fantastic level’ against Aston Villa.

Mason Mount scored in each half to extend Aston Villa’s miserable start to the season as the Blues secured a 2-0 win at Villa Park on Sunday.

Kepa, whose £71million move from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 still makes him the most expensive goalkeeper in world football, produced a number of superb saves to keep the hosts out, including a superb double stop to deny John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey.

The Spaniard produced another moment of magic just after the hour mark, pushing away Danny Ings’ header from six yards out.

Kepa has started every game under Graham Potter since the manager’s arrival from Brighton and after a number of years out of the first-team picture, the Blues boss heaped praise on his goalkeeper for seizing his chance.

‘It was a world-class performance, especially in the first half,’ Potter told BBC Sport.

‘I’m really pleased for him, he has had a tough period for us at times but he contributed to the game.’

Kepa has kept clean sheets in his last two Premier League outings, also keeping out AC Milan home and away in the Champions League.

‘He is contributing to us with clean sheets and how we’re trying to play and the environment around the place.’ Potter continued in his post-match press conference.

‘I’ve got to say all three goalkeepers we’ve had here have been really, really good in that regard – supporting each other, providing good competition and that picks everybody’s level up and Kepa has found a fantastic level today.

‘He made some brilliant saves that have kept us in the game and allowed us to win the points so really pleased for him.’

Chelsea’s win over Villa, their fifth on the bounce in all competitions, keeps them in the top four, three points clear of fifth place Manchester United who they face on Saturday.

The Blues make the short trip to Brentford for midweek Premier League action on Wednesday.

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