Disappointing, really frustrating – Potter blames Kepa for 2-1 defeat to Fulham

Graham Potter has blamed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Blues’ Premier League defeat to Fulham on Thursday. The Blues have now been lost six times in their last eight games under the former Brighton manager.

The defeat at Craven Cottage on Thursday dropped them to 10th place in the Premier League, 10 points behind fourth place. Willian scored against his former team in the first half, but the visitors equalized shortly after the break thanks to defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Joao Felix, who made his debut after completing his £9 million loan move from Atletico Madrid and was their best player on the night, was then sent off in the 58th minute, with Carlos Vinicius scoring the winner in the 73rd.

Kepa, who was also held responsible for Chelsea’s loss to Manchester City last week, made another costly mistake on Thursday.

During his post-match interview, Potter was asked directly about Kepa’s involvement in Fulham’s winning goal, Potter said: “I think the goal itself was a frustrating one from our perspective.

“It felt like a bit of a soft goal to concede and that’s something we have to do better with.

“The manner of the goal is really disappointing and really frustrating.”