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Pair of Kepa stops nominated for Premier League save of the season

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KEPA Arrizabalaga has picked up a pair of nominations for the Premier League save of the season.

The Spaniard, on loan at AFC Bournemouth from Chelsea, had a brilliant season in Cherries colours.

Two of his saves have been nominated for the league’s best stop of the season, against Wolves in February and against Aston Villa in May.

The first of the two came with the game at 0-0 in the early stages at the Vitality Stadium.

Nelson Semedo cut inside from the right wing and unleashed a strong shot, his effort striking the post and falling to Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.

But the Spaniard leapt up to deny Bellegarde with a fine reaction save, sticking out a strong left hand to deny him the opening goal.

(Image: Richard Crease) Kepa’s second save that is nominated for the award was a brilliant double stop, denying first Boubacar Traore before saving from Matty Cash.

Traore, arriving unmarked at the far post, was picked out by a Lucas Digne cross from the left wing.

But Kepa brilliantly kept out his free header with his left boot, before getting back to his feet and diving to catch Cash’s follow-up low to his left.

Although the Cherries lost both games, they were fine saves in amongst a brilliant season for Kepa between the sticks for Andoni Iraola’s side.

The two stops are among ten nominated for the Premier League award, including two for David Raya and two for Andre Onana.

To vote for Kepa, visit the Premier League website. Voting closes at 6pm on Friday, May 30.

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