JAMIE CARRAGHER laid into Kepa Arrizabalaga after damning stats highlight why Frank Lampard is desperate to sign a new keeper this summer.
The Spaniard came under criticism for Brighton’s goal despite the Blues running away 3-1 winners in their season opener on Monday night.
Leonardo Trossard equalised with a long-range effort that crept under the body of the 25-year-old stopper.
Fortunately for him, Reece James and Kurt Zouma ensured Chelsea kick-started their season with a win.
Question marks remain over the ability of the world record £71million keeper and the stats prove exactly why Lampard has every reason to be concerned.
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He has remarkably conceded nine goals in the last 13 shots on target he has faced in the league.
And since his move from Athletic Bilbao in August 2018, no keeper has conceded more league goals from outside the box with 19.
After the game, Carragher did not hold back in his criticism of Kepa and claimed Chelsea have no hope of winning the title until he is replaced.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “Until they rectify the goalkeeping situation I don’t think Chelsea have any chance of winning the Premier League.
“You only have to look at Guardiola’s first season in England, Jurgen Klopp’s first 18 months until they sign goalkeepers that made a real difference.
“And if Chelsea do sign a top goalkeeper that will make a real difference.”
Gary Neville echoed those claims and demanded Lampard be ruthless in his decision.
He added: “The goalkeeper, obviously, you can’t let those goals in.
“We’re trying to not be too critical of him. Chelsea were talking about winning the league but there’s absolutely no chance if you’re conceding goals like this.
“This will cause a real problem. This goal goes under his arm. It’s not a great shot. There’s not a lot of power.
“He sees it from a long way. I don’t know what happens.
“Goals conceded from outside the box – 19. That is a sorry story for a £70m goalkeeper.
“I used to be critical of (Simon) Mignolet and (Loris) Karius. As soon as Alisson came it was normal.
“At Man United as soon as (Edwin) Van der Sar came in it was normal.
“You will not win a league with a goalkeeper that is letting goals in from outside the box and doesn’t dominate his area.
“A few years ago it was seen I was targeting Karius.
“Liverpool were being prevented from being a championship-winning team from not having a goalkeeper.
“Lampard knows he will be sacked in the next two or three years if he doesn’t win the league. He’s got to be ruthless.”
Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Rennes’ stopper Edouard Mendy for £27.7m.
The 28-year-old was left out of the Rennes squad for their season opener against Nimes.
