Much of the pre-match conversation centred on Kepa Arrizabalaga’s return in goal for the first time since October in the Premier League, with the topic again resurfacing after the final whistle following a second successive clean sheet for the Spaniard in all competitions.

Despite naturally being pleased to see Kepa perform well and make some important saves, Tuchel insisted that Edouard Mendy remained his first-choice for now and the decision for this game had been made to give the Senegalese international a much-needed break.

‘Edou is the number one and this is clear,’ stated Tuchel.

‘It was clear before the game and it stays like this. I’m very happy that Kepa continued with a second clean sheet in a row.

‘It was the moment to let him feel the rhythm and build up his confidence, not only in the cup game but also in a home game at Stamford Bridge. It was clear before that we hoped for the very best performance and a clean sheet.

‘Edou will be in goal from now on because he recovered physically and mentally. Right now, today he’s the number one.’