Chelsea assistant coach Arno Michels has hailed the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga after their FA Cup win against Plymouth.

The Blues were leading 2-1 in extra-time against the League One outfit when Malang Sarr clumsily brought down Ryan Hardie in the box in the 116th minute.

However, Kepa saved Hardie's spot-kick down low to his left to ensure that a nervy afternoon at Stamford Bridge ended in Chelsea progressing to the fifth round.

"It's not only about the penalty save but it's also about the performance, it was a very good performance," he said. "In the last matches, I've felt him very reliable in his game.

"His strength is to save penalties, he's shown it a few times now: in the Carabao Cup twice, against Villarreal, and even in training, it's hard to beat him.

"In penalty shoot-outs, he has the ability to read the mind of what the player is going to do.

"We are very happy with Kepa and he deserves this trust because he is a fantastic guy.

"To work with him for one year, it is hard for him because Edou (Mendy) is playing very good, but Kepa is constantly doing very good work in training, reliable work.

"He is friendly and an amazing guy. So I am very happy for him he could save us from a penalty shoot-out."