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Gary Lineker has mocked Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for trying to play mind games on Julian Alvarez before his penalty in Manchester City’s 4-0 victory in the FA Cup.
The 28-year-old started for the Blues in their third-round clash and conceded three times in the first half thanks to goals from Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden.
City took the lead through Mahrez before being awarded a penalty just before the half-hour mark after Chelsea forward Kai Havertz handled the ball inside the area.
Gary Lineker has mocked Kepa Arrizabalaga for trying to play mind games on Julian Alvarez
The Spanish shot-stopper had clearly been watching Emiliano Martinez during the World Cup
The Spanish shot-stopper had clearly been watching Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as he attempted to distract the striker by talking to him as he put the ball on the spot.
It failed to work as Alvarez slotted the ball home before Foden notched a third goal for City. Mahrez rounded off the scoring in the second-half to make it a comfortable win.
Lineker spoke about the incident, by saying: ‘What about this, hey? I think Alvarez is probably saying: “Mate, I’ve just won a goal medal in the World Cup. I’m not worried about you.”‘
Pundit Lineker (pictured) spoke about the incident and mocked Kepa for his failed antics
To that, his fellow pundit and former Manchester City defender Micah Richards chipped in: ‘Not quite Martinez, is he?’
Duly prompting Lineker to say: ‘Poundshop Emi Martinez.’
The London club were booed off the pitch at half-time on Sunday when they trailed 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium in the latest dismal showing that left many asking questions of boss Graham Potter and his misfiring side.
Potter himself, who was only appointed by the Blues in September, issued a rallying cry to Chelsea’s players and fans to stick together.
Graham Potter issued a rallying cry to his players and fans to stick together after the defeat
‘This opponent is probably the worst you can play when you’re not doing well,’ Potter said. ‘They can make you look like you’re not running and trying.
‘The results in a small space of time are not positive. You can make excuses, look for reasons, or you can say it isn’t good enough. Both of those are correct.
‘Clearly we are suffering and it’s not nice at all. You can understand the fans’ frustration and we respect that. There are always other opinions and criticism because results haven’t been positive.
‘We need to stay together, support each other and I’m sure we’ll get the support of the supporters when they see good results.’