Chelsea Beat Everton 2-0 but Emiliano Martinez Suffers Injury
Chelsea ended a 22-match Premier League run without a clean sheet by beating Everton 2-0, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez left the field after a serious-looking injury in the second half.
Martinez was hurt in the 67th minute as he came to deal with a set-piece and collided heavily with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Treatment on the pitch lasted close to 10 minutes before Chelsea were forced into a change, with 21-year-old Mike Penders sent on for his Premier League debut.
The Belgium goalkeeper had little time to settle in, yet handled the closing stages calmly. Penders gathered a number of late Everton balls into the box cleanly as Chelsea protected the shut-out that had eluded them for so long.
Pedro Neto delivered both goals. Chelsea struck 43 seconds after the restart when Morgan Rogers produced a clever back-heel, Jorrel Hato supplied the final pass and Neto finished the move. Hato had only been drafted into the starting side after Pep Chavarria suffered a late fitness issue.
Neto sealed the points after 11 minutes of added time had been indicated. Jordan Henderson’s free-kick was blocked, but the rebound ran to the winger, who converted to complete his double.
Penders could now get his chance
Penders had expected to compete for Chelsea’s No. 1 role after Robert Sanchez joined Como on loan. That pathway changed when the club brought Martinez in from Aston Villa on a two-year deal, a move which left the young keeper lower in the pecking order than he had anticipated.
His assured cameo against Everton may now prove significant. Chelsea are awaiting the full assessment on Martinez, and a prolonged absence for the experienced Argentine would give Penders an immediate opening to make the position his own in the coming fixtures.
