Kepa's late Penalty save ensures Chelsea's win over Plymouth News

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Kepa's late Penalty save ensures Chelsea's win over Plymouth

By Daily Sports on February 6, 2022

Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher said his players should be "extremely proud" after taking Chelsea to extra-time before they were finally beaten 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Kepa Arrizabalaga's penalty heroics helped the Blues avoid a shootout as they edged past Argyle 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round, having been forced into playing an extra half-hour by the plucky League One side.

The Spain goalkeeper guessed correctly and then smothered Ryan Hardie's last-gasp spot-kick, after the Plymouth striker had been felled by Malang Sarr.

Marcos Alonso thought he had settled the tie with a neat finish in extra-time, only for League One Argyle to battle back and force one more opening.

Kepa kept his cool to conjure a fine save, however, on a day where Chelsea markedly missed Thomas Tuchel after the Blues head coach tested positive for Covid-19. The German could now be forced to miss Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign in Abu Dhabi next week due to isolation regulations.

"We asked the players to give us everything out there and not leave anything in the tank," said Schumacher.

"They should be really proud of themselves. We're obviously disappointed that we didn't get through, especially having a penalty so late on that would have taken it to penalties. But all in all, it was a good day."

Macaulay Gillesphey headed Plymouth into an early lead, converting ex-Chelsea youth midfielder Jordan Houghton's whipped free-kick.

Cesar Azpilicueta levelled via a fine backheel finish just before half-time, with Chelsea having hit the woodwork three times.