EPL: Why I dropped Kepa against Nottingham Forest for Mendy – Chelsea coach, Lampard

Chelsea caretaker coach, Frank Lampard, said dropping goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga against Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s Premier League tie was an opportunity for Mendy in goal.

Kepa regained his position as Chelsea’s No. 1 earlier in the season and has started all seven games under Lampard.

Kepa was in goal last weekend as Chelsea defeated Bournemouth 3-1.

However, Edouard Mendy, who had not played a competitive match since Senegal’s World Cup defeat to England last December, made a rare start, which was thoroughly merited as a consequence of his performances in training, according to Lampard.

Lampard, who spoke before kick-off, said: “It is an opportunity that I think for his [Mendy’s] part is well deserved from how he is training.

“It is certainly not an issue with Kepa [Arrizabalaga] but for Edou [Edouard Mendy], it is good for him to play a game for us. He is a top goalkeeper, so that is the decision.”

Meanwhile, the match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest ended in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.