At the Etihad Stadium, during Chelsea and Manchester City’s FA Cup third-round match, Kepa Arrizabalaga made an attempt to get into Julian Alvarez’s mind.
Alvarez, who just helped Argentina win the World Cup, replaced Erling Haaland in the starting lineup and converted a penalty kick for his team’s second goal.
Riyad Mahrez scored first on a beautifully executed free kick to get the Premier League defending champions off to a fast start.
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A few minutes later, despite Arrizabalaga’s antics, Kai Havertz oddly handled the ball inside the penalty area, and Alvarez converted the penalty kick without error.
What Kepa attempted
The world’s most expensive goalkeeper approached him as he was putting the ball in play and started a chat with him in an apparent attempt to throw him off balance.
Arrizabalaga then dove in the right direction but was unable to block the shot.
Phil Foden and Mahrez scored the other goals to compound Graham Potter’s miserable run.
Speaking after the game, Alvarez revealed how his conversation with the Chelsea goalkeeper played out.
The Argentine played a starring role in his country’s triumph in Qatar, which was marked by Emi Martinez’s penalty-saving elegance.
The Manchester City striker became La Albiceleste’s lead striker after their shock loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening game.