Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, which further tightens life for the Blues at the top of the Premier League as the team clings to the all-important fourth place, means it is now five matches on the trot that goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga has been left on the bench.

There wouldn’t be an issue for manager Frank Lampard (who insists there’s no problem between him and Kepa) if the Spaniard had cost, say, £20million.

But the fact that he is the most expensive net-minder in the world at £71, and seemingly can’t get a game because a 38-year-old reserve is blocking him, makes this quite a deal.

Fans are asking whether this is belated revenge for Kepa’s bizarre refusal, in the Morrie Sarri era, to be subbed in the Carabao Cup final a year ago, when the then manager wanted to bring on Willy Caballero, the keeper that is currently preventing Kepa from playing.

It was a Marcos Alonso double (and he came a whisker away from a hat-trick) on the south coast that rescued a point for Chelsea, to keep them – just – in the top four.

The critical leveller came five minutes from time when, after fans and players had weathered hailstorm at Bournemouth, Pedro’s shot was parried, and Alonso pounced to head home the loose ball.

But the chasing pack can taste blood, and Chelsea’s next league games are crucial. Chelsea host Everton at the Bridge on Sunday March 8. Then it’s away to Villa and at home to Man City.

Yet as this snap shows, Kepa is still visible at Stamford Bridge. It’s just that you have to look up lampposts to spot him.