Carabao Cup 2018-19: Chelsea fans slam Kepa Arrizabalaga for refusing to be substituted

Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted against Man City 
Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted against Man City 

Chelsea fans are currently enduring a torrid time following the club’s poor run of form in recent weeks. The Blues lost for the second time in two weeks again Manchester City, this time in the Carabao Cup final.

Maurizio Sarri’s men put up a gallant performance and managed to match the league champions boot-for-foot for the entirety of the game. However, the London outfit ended up losing out in the end, as Man City won the trophy following a penalty shootout.

While Ilkay Gundogan, Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling all scored their penalties, David Luis and Jorginho missed to ensure Chelsea finished on the losing side.

However, the major talking point of the game came just before the penalty shootout started. Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga appeared to have gotten injured, prompting Sarri to prepare to initiate a change.

However, the Spaniard signaled to the bench that he was fine. The 24-year-old went on to decline being substituted despite the insistence of his manager.

Realising the goalkeeper didn’t want to be substituted, a furious Sarri ranted on the touchline and nearly walked into the dressing room.

Arrizabalaga has since explained that there was a miscommunication with his manager. In the aftermath of the game, the goalkeeper said he did not mean to disobey Sarri.

He told Chelsea's official website, as quoted by Sky Sports: "I know if you see it from outside, I don't know how it went out, it is not the best image. I have spoken with the boss. I think it was misunderstood.

"I understand that on television, on social media, they're talking about this but I am here to explain it, to say that it wasn't my intention to go against the manager," he added.

But despite his explanation, many Chelsea fans took to Twitter to slam the goalkeeper for his behaviour.

Here's a look at some of the most noteworthy tweets:


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Edited by Musab Abid