David Luiz was the fourth man in the Kepa substitution debacle on Sunday afternoon as Chelsea's goalkeeper refused to go off for Willy Caballero during extra time. After the match the Brazilian revealed what he said to the keeper.
Thank the lord, or whatever you believe in for Kepa Arrizabalaga. Not only did the Chelsea goalkeeper do something I never thought I'd see in a professional match, by seemingly refuse to get substituted, but he brightened up a pretty boring day of football.
In 210 minutes of televised 'top tier' English football on Sunday, in two matches featuring four of the best six clubs in the country, there wasn't a single goal.
Fortunately with just minutes left of the Carabao Cup final the Chelsea keeper had to be treated for an injury for the second time and Maurizio Sarri decided to substitute his number one for Willy Caballero, a former City player and a penalty saving hero in a previous Carabao Cup final.
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That started the most amazing moment of footballing television as Kepa refused to come off, something he denied afterwards, and Sarri nearly walked out of Wembley.
David Luiz was the only player to try and talk to the Spanish number one and whilst he covered his mouth during their exchange he revealed after the game what he said, telling Sky Sports:
"I just said to him we have to respect the decision of the coach.
"But, I don't know if the coach wanted to change him because he was feeling pain or it was his [tactical] decision.
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"I think the coach he wished to do the substitution because [he was not sure] of the injury, he didn't understand that.
"[Kepa] was telling us he was good. He was okay. The game sometimes you don't have much time to explain things, it's okay.
After the match both Sarri and Kepa claimed that the incident was just down to a misunderstanding or miscommunication but at the time the Italian seemed apoplectic with the former Athletic Bilbao keeper.
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The 24 year old only moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer after a world record breaking fee, which had only been broken in the same summer by Alisson's move to Liverpool, following Thibaut Courtois' move to Real Madrid.
Kepa wasn't fully at fault for the subsequent penalty shoot-out loss, and even saved one spot kick from City, but he should have done better for Sergio Aguero's attempt.
Sunday was one of the most bizarre moments in football, with those 210 minutes of goalless football we all deserved it.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Willy Caballero, Football News, Carabao Cup, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Kepa, Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea, Carabao Cup final, david luiz, Premier League