Good evening, Chelsea fans. Here are your evening headlines for Sunday, September 20.
Lampard admits Kepa needs support
In just the second game of the Premier League season, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made his second crucial error of the campaign.
With the Blues down to ten men and trailing Liverpool 1-0, the Spaniard tried to play a pass to Jorginho in his penalty area, only for Sadio Mane to intercept and score for the Premier League champions.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was asked about the goalkeeper's error – and his poor form – after the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. He said: “With the Kepa situation it is a clear mistake.
"It has cost us because we have gone on and won a penalty and maybe should have scored. Those fine margins change games at this level.
"We have to keep working, Kepa has to keep working and have support around him, that’s very clear. It was a big mistake on the day.”
Lampard then confirmed Willy Caballero will play in the League Cup fixture against Barnsley in midweek, before reiterating his support for Kepa.
“Kepa is our player,” he added. “Today was a clear mistake, Brighton was a mistake as well and he has reflected on that as well. We have to keep working, it’s the rule of football.
“In difficult times players need support, particularly from myself, I give that to all the players, Kepa has to keep working.
"Nobody tries to make mistakes in football. It’s the nature of the game, we have to be strong and keep going.”
Werner explains nuances to playing out wide
Chelsea signed Timo Werner this summer in an attempt to find a more consistent goalscorer.
In his opening two games, the German is yet to find the net. But he has already shown excellent versatility and smart movement off the ball.
“I know what I have to do as a striker, and I know what I have to do as a winger, or as a No10, or whatever you call it here – everybody calls it something different,” Werner said after he played from the left against Liverpool on Sunday.
“In my opinion, they are totally different positions. You have to do something different if you are playing as a striker alone, or with two strikers, or if you are a winger, or a number ten.
"You might have to go deeper in one position, or keep the ball, or go for one-v-ones, always keeping pressure on the defender.
"It’s very important to learn how to play those different positions. It’s good for me because I’m not focused all on one position, and it’s also good for the managers because they know they can change whatever they want.”
Giroud's agent comments on Serie A links
Following the arrival of Werner at Stamford Bridge, there were questions regarding the future of Olivier Giroud, who signed a contract extension at the end of last season.
One potential landing spot was at Serie A side Roma, who are set to lose Edin Dzeko to champions Juventus.
However, this week, Giroud’s agent, Michael Manuello, confirmed a move to the Italian capital is not on the cards.
Speaking to Inside Futbol, he said: “No, [it is] not a possibility.”
Giroud was named on the bench for Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, while Tammy Abraham was introduced in the second half ahead of the Frenchman.
