'We need that to be a top team': Lampard backs Kepa to grow in confidence after crucial late save in Palace win

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'We need that to be a top team': Lampard backs Kepa to grow in confidence after crucial late save in Palace win

"It can be big and important," said Lampard in his post-match press conference when asked to comment on Kepa's crucial late save.

"I mentioned Tammy scoring a goal and his confidence. When you are at that end of the pitch, and goalkeepers even more so in a way, confidence is huge when you are in that individual position.

"He should be boosted. His team-mates should be boosted and he saves us two points for the group.

"That’s Kepa’s job and that’s what he is there for so I am really pleased for him. We need that to be a top team, you need your keepers to make saves at times for you to pull you through and he did that today."

Kepa has been widely criticised for his mediocre displays between the sticks over the course of the campaign, with several supporters calling his credentials as Chelsea's long-term No.1 into question.

The Spaniard perhaps could have done better to keep out Wilfried Zaha's long-range effort in the first half that allowed Crystal Palace to claw their way back into the contest after Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic had fired the Blues into a 2-0 lead.

The 25-year-old, though, did make amends late in the game, pulling off an excellent fingertip save to deny Scott Dann an equaliser.

That proved crucial as Chelsea survived a late foray from the Eagles and held on to their lead to win 3-2 at Selhurst Park, coming away with all 3 points on Tuesday night.

AuthorSayan ChatterjeeSourceChelsea FC
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