Momentum for Lampard as Hakim Ziyech approaches Chelsea’s first start

Chelsea star Edouard Mendy equals Petr Cech’s record after Manchester United heroics

According to The Metro, Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has equaled a 16-year record set by Blues legend Petr Cech.

The 28-year-old was the hero of the night when Chelsea drew 0-0 with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Mendy was on the alert to deny Marcus Rashford in either half and justified his stature as the club’s number one goalkeeper.

The Senegalese international is the first goalkeeper since Cech to keep a clean sheet in his first two Premier League starts with the club. The Czech international achieved that distinction during his debut campaign in 2004/05.

The goalkeeper position has been a nuisance for Chelsea for a season now. Despite numerous opportunities, Kepa Arrizabalaga has failed to show that he has what it takes to be a reliable number one.

Blues boss Frank Lampard revealed last week that Mendy is his current first choice at goal. The 28-year-old has restored his manager’s faith in him with his performances on the field.

So far, Mendy has kept three clean sheets in his first four games for the club, allowing just one goal during this time. This is in stark contrast to the nine goals we conceded in five games without him.

For the first time since Thibaut Courtois in 2017, it seems we have a reliable last line of defense.

Mendy recently talked about learning from Cech during training. The 38-year-old was also included in the club’s roster for the Premier League. Cech retired in 2019 and currently works as a technical advisor at Stamford Bridge.

Mendy, in his favor, has left the debate about our goalkeeping crisis to the rest. Hopefully, you’ll get more from Cech as long as they work together.

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Mendy’s record was achieved in shutouts against Crystal Palace and Manchester United. He missed the 3-3 draw against Southampton through injury. That game, if not anything else, was a stark reminder of the impact he’s had since joining the club.

The record isn’t the only parallel Mendy shares with Cech. Both players joined Chelsea from the French Rennais and immediately scored the goal. If anything, the next time we need a goalkeeper, we should focus on number one in Roazhon Park.