I have a question about correctness of following statement claimed [here][1] in $\boxed{2} \ $: >Let $k$ arbitrary field, let $f : X \longrightarrow Y$ be a finite dominant morphism between finite type $k$-schemes. Assume that $Y$ is integral and that there is $y \in Y$ such that $f^{-1}(y)$ is scheme-theoretically equal to $q$ reduced points (say $x_1, \ldots, x_q$). Then, we can find an open neighborhood of say $x_1 \in U \subset X$ where $X$ is reduced. Wlog we can turn it in a **local version** by considering $A \longrightarrow B$ a finite monomorphism of finite-type $k$-algebras with $A=A_{\mathfrak{m}}$ local integral domain ( especially reduced) with unique max ideal $\mathfrak{m}$ corresponding to $y$, furthermore $B=B_{\mathfrak{m}}$ ( ie $B$ localized with respect $\mathfrak{m}$) and $B/ (\mathfrak{m} \cdot B)=B\otimes_A A/ \mathfrak{m}= B\otimes_A k(y)=k^q$ by assumption. The question becomes why is $B$ reduced? It seems that the proof there contains a gap I not know how to repair. The strategy in the linked proof is to take basis generators $f_1, \ldots, f_q$ of $B/ (\mathfrak{m} \cdot B)=k^q$ as a $k$ vector space and $e_1, \ldots, e_q$ be some lifts in $B$ of the $f_i$'s. The $e_i$ induce a morphism of $A_{\mathfrak{m}}$-modules of finite type: $$ \Phi : A_{\mathfrak{m}}^q \longrightarrow B_{\mathfrak{m}}.$$ Using finiteness of $B$ as $A$ module and Nakayama lemma, this map is surjective. **Key problem:** But there is a potential gap: it is not clear to me why under the above assumptions the inclusion $$\mathfrak{m}.\operatorname{Ker}(\Phi) \supset \operatorname{Ker}(\Phi).$$ should hold? If we having this, Nakayama applied would tell us that that the kernel $\operatorname{Ker}(\Phi)$ is zero and we win. But why the inclusion above should hold? If we eg would assume that $B$ is flat over $A$, then it follows from [tag/00HL][2] , but note that flatness wasn't assumed. Even thought I haven't a conterexample, note that to show the claim above, it would be even sufficient to show an even weaker statement that the kernel is a radical ideal, but I also not see why thats holds here. So finally **the questions** become **(I)** if the local version of the statement is true **without any additional assumpions** (eg like flatness), then ( if (I) has positive answer ) **(II)** if the given proof can be "repaired relativelly elementary" (eg deduce $\operatorname{Ker}(\Phi)$ is zero or radical), and **(III)** if (I) is wrong, are there preferably relative mild additional assumpions on $A \to B$ (milder than flatness, cp with comments on the potential gap in the given proof) turning the statement in a true one? [1]: https://mathoverflow.net/q/453652 [2]: https://stacks.math.columbia.edu/tag/00HL