Alonso praises Chelsea players after Everton victory
Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso has provided an update on goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s situation after he was stretchered off in the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
Pedro Neto scored a brace to hand the Blues the maximum points at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to end the hosts’ unbeaten start to the season.
However, The afternoon turned sour for Chelsea after Martinez collided with Jarred Branthwaite in the 75th minute, he had to be stretchered off and was replaced by Mike Penders.
Alonso revealed that the Argentine goalkeeper is conscious and undergoing precautionary tests at his post-match conference.
He said: “As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious and right now he is in the hospital doing precautionary tests,’ said Alonso.
‘So let’s see, but that’s what I know so far. We need to wait. Hopefully it won’t be too bad, but we need to wait at the moment.”
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The Spanish manager praised Mike Penders for his performance on his Premier League debut for Chelsea.
Alonso said: “Mike has personality, he’s brave, and we have full trust with him. He did well. He played in the cup games and whenever he’s needed, like the other players whenever they are needed they can perform.
“It’s all about the squad, that all the players feel important and can have their moment whenever they are needed, and that’s very positive.”
Alonso was delighted with the team’s performance against Everton, praising the players for their efforts in the encounter.
He said: “We are very happy with the result and the performance. We needed one of these wins away, where we have played very professionally and seriously, looking solid. It was a very good win. We got many things right.
“We looked in control of the game, there were moments for sure when we had to defend, especially in the first half, but overall the team looked mature, knew what to do in each moment, and knew we’d have our own moment. That happened in the second half.
Chelsea will return to Premier League action against Tottenham on Saturday, while Everton will face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on the same day.
