Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been slammed by ESPN pundit Alejandro Moreno with Frank Lampard’s side warned they must improve.
Chelsea recorded a 2-2 draw away to Valencia on Wednesday night as they failed to secure a spot in the Champions League knockouts.
That means the Blues, along with Ajax and Valencia, can all still qualify going into the final round of games next month.
Kepa made the majority of headlines from the trip to the Mestalla Stadium.
Despite a brilliant penalty save, the Spaniard will feel disappointed in his part in the two goals the Blues conceded.
Kepa might have done better to stop Daniel Wass’ intended cross finding the back of his net after he appeared to misjudge its flight.
The Blues were all over the place at the back at times too with Valencia squandering several key chances.
And pundit Moreno feels even if they progress they will struggle against stronger opposition.
“What I saw today is reasons as to why both of these teams, even if they advance in this competition, they’re going nowhere in this competition,” he said.
“They have to defend better. They have to be more organised.
“And in the case of Chelsea, I know he made a penalty save, Kepa has to be better.
“I’ve turned the page on this guy. I don’t think this guy is for real.
“Too many goals in too many key moments and too many of those goals are too soft.”
Frank Lampard leapt to the defence of Kepa after the match for his involvement in Wass’ goal.
“It was certainly a fluke,” Lampard said.
“He didn’t mean to score and that makes it more difficult for the goalkeeper because they don’t expect to go off the far top corner.
“The cross came in too high for him. I know there might be the feeling he pulled his hands away, I’m not sure he would have got there anyway.
“I will have to look at it again and Kepa will be the best one because he’s very honest with himself and if he feels he could have got it then I’m sure he would say that.
“But we can’t look away from the penalty save. It wasn’t just a standard penalty save, it was a fantastic one and that’s what top keepers do to save you points.”
Chelsea will look to get back to winning ways against West Ham on Saturday (3pm).
