Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Scott Trotter

How Kepa riled Crystal Palace fans as Chelsea's Mudryk meetings take place at Stamford Bridge

Kepa riles Crystal Palace

Kepa Arrizabalaga needed to bounce back following his error in Chelsea's defeat to Fulham, and while relatively untroubled for large sections of the game, he did produce some moments of quality. The Spanish goalkeeper came in clutch for the Blues as they held on to the lead given to them by Kai Havertz.

Perhaps most notable of all were his acrobatics to save from Cheick Doucoure's volley and a solid stop from Jeffrey Schlupp's header. It was not only his exploits on the goal line that were there to rile the Crystal Palace faithful in the Shed End.

On one occasion where the ball had headed into the stands, supporters attempted to throw the ball back only for Kepa to raise a single arm to punch the ball back into the crowd. Again the away fans looked to get play back underway but the 28-year-old did the same thing again as Jean-Philippe Mateta raced off the pitch to try and claim it himself.

READ MORE: Shakhtar Donetsk chief reveals Chelsea friendly plan following Mykhailo Mudryk transfer

Stamford Bridge meetings

While Chelsea had business to take care of in their Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace, there was not shortage of interest surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk give the news that broke on Saturday night. The Blues swooped in to beat Arsenal to the signing of the player who was present at Stamford Bridge, with his signing still to be announced.

He was eventually revealed to supporters and the deal confirmed during the match having sat in a box along with the likes of Behdad Eghbali who appears to have had a prominent role in brokering the deal. However, he was not the only notable figure that Mudryk was associating with over the course of 90 minutes.

The Ukrainian star also met teammate Joao Felix who was present following his ban after being sent off against Fulham earlier in the week. Mudryk also met Levi Colwill, currently on loan at Fulham, who was in attendance at Stamford Bridge and could find himself in the squad with the £88million signing in 2023/24.

Mason Mount's celebration

It was not a vintage outing from Mason Mount once again as he attempted to create against Crystal Palace but much failed to come off. The England international's recent outings have mirrored Chelsea's struggles and Mount perhaps mirrored Chelsea fans more than most on Sunday afternoon.

While most of Chelsea's team raced to the corner flag when Havertz converted Hakim Ziyech's cross, Mount stayed planted to the spot he was stood in. The 24-year-old stood on the edge of the box simply pumping his arms in the air above his head appearing equally overjoyed and relieved to see the ball hit the net.

Unfortunate Fofana

Having completed his transfer to Chelsea from Molde earlier in the month, David Datro Fofana made his Chelsea debut perhaps more quickly than many expected. The 20-year-old first appeared in a Chelsea squad for the Blues' FA Cup clash against Manchester City.

With Graham Potter's side down 3-0 down at half-time, he was introduced up front with 45 minutes to impress. It was not the easiest circumstances to try and impress with the game already over as a contest for the most part.

Fofana has not appeared since but came frustratingly close to his Premier League debut against Palace. The forward was kitted out to enter the pitch on the 78th minute when Kalidou Koulibaly replaced Lewis Hall but was sent back to his seat in the dugout having prepared to come on.

Then again in the 89th minute Fofana prepared to enter the fray along with Mateo Kovacic. However, he was again returned to his seat as Cesar Azpilicueta headed on with his Croatian teammate instead. You can't get much closer.

READ NEXT:

Noni Madueke drops Chelsea transfer hint in Mykhailo Mudryk message as Todd Boehly eyes £40m bid

How Graham Potter persuaded Mykhaylo Mudryk to snub Mikel Arteta offer and hijack Arsenal deal

Chelsea bound Mykhaylo Mudryk has already matched Ronaldinho, Maradona and Iniesta special feat

First look at Mykhailo Mudryk in Chelsea shirt as Todd Boehly unveils £88m January transfer

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.