Lampard confirms Mendy as Chelsea’s No 1 goalkeeper

Frank Lampard has admitted that Edouard Mendy has already usurped Kepa Arrizabalaga as Chelsea’s No 1, weeks after claiming his new signing was there just to provide competition for the goalkeeper’s position.

Lampard had previously suggested the £22million arrival of Mendy from Rennes would take the heat off the error-prone Kepa, but he has changed his mind after the former’s solid performance in Chelsea’s goalless draw against Sevilla.

Asked if Mendy was now first choice, Lampard said: ‘At the moment yes, he’s shown his quality.

“The way he’s played, he’s played very well, that’s two clean sheets for him already.

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“As it stands he is [first choice] but that’s always up for grabs. But the way he’s playing I’m very happy.”

Of the point and clean sheet against the reigning Europa League champions Sevilla, he said: ‘Seville are a top team in European football, no doubt.

“The concentration and focus to get the result was big from the team. We made a lot of good decisions tonight, so it’s a really nice place for us to build from.

“I think it’s a positive result. The clean sheet was a big deal for us.”

Mendy was key in Chelsea’s first goalless draw under Lampard despite suffering a thigh injury on international duty, his saves crucial in keeping Sevilla out in the Group E opener.