Kepa Substitution, Ziyech injury… talking points, as Chelsea lift Super Cup beating Villarreal on penalties

Marcos Alonso, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea against Villarreal-UEFA Super Cup
Marcos Alonso, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea against Villarreal-UEFA Super Cup - IMAGO / NurPhoto

Chelsea won the UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal earlier tonight on penalties, and Thomas Tuchel will be delighted to start the new season with the trophy.

The match ended 1-1 after normal time, thanks to goals from Ziyech and Moreno in either half. The two teams could not be separated after extra time either. 

Chelsea eventually won the game 6-5 on penalties. 

The Blues managed to win the Champions League last season, and they will be hoping to go on and win the Premier League this time around.

Here at Anytime Football, we look at the three major talking points from tonight’s contest.

Hakim Ziyech’s injury

The Moroccan midfielder was outstanding before being substituted with an injury on the 43rd minute. Thomas Tuchel will be hoping that the player can return to action soon.

Hakim Ziyech harassed the Villarreal defenders with his movement and creativity in the first half. He chipped in with the vital goal on the 27th minute of the game as well.

Chelsea were dominant in the final third for as long as the Moroccan was on the pitch, and he could be a key player for the Blues this season.

Kepa’s substitution

Thomas Tuchel decided to bring on Kepa Arizzabalaga for the penalty shootout, and the German’s gamble paid off.

The Spaniard pulled off two crucial saves in the shootout to hand the UEFA Super Cup to Chelsea.

Kepa has lost his starting berth at Stamford Bridge since the arrival of Edouard Mendy, and tonight’s performance will give him a massive confidence boost.

It will be interesting to see if the Spaniard can regain his starting berth this season.

The missing link

Chelsea could have been out of sight in the first half with a proper goal scorer at their disposal.

The Blues looked pretty impressive in the opening stages of the game, but they were missing the movement and sharpness of a top-class striker.

Tuchel decided to start the game with Kai Havertz as his striker, but the German is more suited to an attacking midfield role.

The Blues are expected to complete the club-record transfer of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan, and the Belgian’s arrival could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Thomas Tuchel.