Frank Lampard gave a damning response to goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s mistake that put Chelsea on the road to defeat against Liverpool.
The Blues goalkeeper made a huge gaffe to gift Sadio Mane a second goal in the Reds’ 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s No.1 was already under pressure ahead of kick-off as the London side are reportedly getting close to deal for Ligue 1 shot-stopper Edouard Mendy.
And the Blues boss’ reaction saw him put blame at Kepa’s door for the defeat on their own turf.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Lampard said: “[It was a] big mistake.
“Clear mistake and when you reflect on the half without the mistake and the penalty we draw the game 1-1.
“I’m actually happier in many ways [with the performance] than I was after Brighton on Monday.”
The Blues boss added: “It is a clear mistake that cost us, then we have a penalty that we could score.
“He has to keep working, he has support around him.”
Kepa was also in no man’s land when Andreas Christensen bundled into Mane in the first half, receiving a red card for his troubles.
It comes as former English top-flight footballer Andy Gray suggested the errors against Liverpool could be the final nail in the goalkeeper’s coffin at Chelsea.
Speaking to beIN SPORT, the 64-year-old said: “There’s only two players over the last 15 years I can think of that haven’t suffered from a lack of confidence.
“That would be [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo – everyone else has had confidence issues.
“I think that’s where Kepa is right here, right now. I think his confidence is shot.
“I think he’s talented, I think he’s a good goalkeeper but right now he instils no confidence in any Chelsea player in front of him.
“I think Frank’s realised that and his mistake tonight has made Frank’s mind up if it hasn’t already - he needs to change his goalkeeper.”
Kepa’s poor performance was one of the five talking points Mirror Sport picked out from Chelsea’s defeat to the Premier League champions.
