Maurizio Sarri names Chelsea's no.1 goalie after dropping Kepa in Tottenham win

- Kepa was benched against Spurs as Chelsea marched to a 2-0 victory

- The Spaniard omission from the starting line-up was a culmination of the EFL Cup final substitution drama

- Sarri has, however, insisted Kepa will keep his place in Chelsea's squad

The substitution fiasco between Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri during the EFL Cup final at Wembley culminated with the Italian manager axing the Spaniard from Chelsea's starting line-up against Tottenham.

The 60-year-old Sarri was left fuming during Chelsea defeat by Man City after Kepa refused to be substituted in the closing minutes of the match.

READ ALSO: Kane faces 3-match ban after headbutt row during Chelsea defeat

The Italian boss was keen to introduce Willy Caballero in Kepa's place in what appeared like a tactical move, but the Spanish shot-stopper ignored Sarri's call as he went on to finish the match.

The Spanish youngster Kepa has now started paying the price for his conduct, with the Italian tactician benching him in his side's derby win over Spurs.

Speaking on the decision, Sarri admitted the move was aimed at instilling discipline on the 24-year-old goalkeeper, whose behaviours was globally condemned by lovers of the game.

"It was the right decision, Kepa made a big mistake. He paid with the club and now the team. Kepa for tomorrow will be with us," he said.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng

However, the former Napoli manager was quick to point out that Kepa will remain Chelsea's top choice goalkeeper.

"I don’t know if the next match he will be with us, but in one of the next two for sure," the UK Metro quoted Sarri.

"We cannot kill him. When you are young you make mistakes, but you need to understand," he added.

PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone'

Kepa arrived at Stamford Bridge in a world record deal after the departure of Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid last summer.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported Chelsea beat visiting rivals Tottenham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, February 27, to redeem themselves.

The Blues went into this game after been sent out of the FA Cup and also losing the Carabao Cup final encounter against Manchester City on penalties at the Wembley stadium.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who refused to be subbed against Manchester City in the EFL Cup final suffered the consequence of what he did as he was benched by Sarri against Spurs.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better.

I scored more frequently than Rashidi Yekini - Segun Odegbami | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng