At Goodison Park, Chelsea’s afternoon in front of Everton was overshadowed by a serious injury to Emiliano Martínez, with the Argentina goalkeeper leaving the field conscious but immobilised after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite.
A long stoppage in the Everton area
The incident came from a set-piece delivered into Chelsea’s penalty area. Martínez and Everton defender Branthwaite both attacked the ball with force, but the Chelsea goalkeeper suffered the heavier blow in a head-to-head clash.
- Martínez received treatment on the pitch after going down.
- Medical staff fitted him with a neck brace and administered oxygen.
- The match was halted for almost 10 minutes while he was attended to.
- He was taken from the pitch on a stretcher, conscious but fully immobilised.
- Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders replaced him, making his Premier League debut.
Hospital tests confirm jaw operation
Martínez was transported to hospital after leaving the stadium. Initial checks have confirmed a jaw injury, and the Argentine international will undergo surgery in the coming hours.
Speaking after the final whistle, Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso said the goalkeeper had departed the ground conscious and was undergoing examinations. The need for an operation was subsequently confirmed.
Neto’s double settles the score
When Martínez was injured, Chelsea were already ahead 1-0 through Pedro Neto. The Portuguese forward later added a second goal to secure a 2-0 win for Alonso’s side on Merseyside.
- Pedro Neto scored Chelsea’s opener before the injury stoppage.
- He struck again to complete the 0-2 final score.
- The result was tempered by concern over Martínez’s condition and imminent surgery.
