Chelsea’s second successive victory was accompanied by a sobering concern at Hill Dickinson Stadium after Emiliano Martínez was taken to hospital for tests following a heavy collision during the second half.
In the dressing room
Xabi Alonso said Martínez had left the ground conscious after the match, though the manager could offer no further detail while the goalkeeper underwent medical examinations.
“He left the stadium conscious and is at hospital having tests,” Alonso said. “That is all I know at the moment.”
The Argentina international was hurt around the 65th minute when he came into contact with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as a free-kick was delivered into the penalty area. Martínez appeared to suffer a fierce blow to the jaw against Branthwaite’s head and went down immediately.
Medical staff rushed on, with play held up for roughly 10 minutes in a stadium that had fallen quiet. Martínez eventually departed on a stretcher, awake with his eyes open and able to move his arms slightly.
Chelsea find their edge
Alonso was pleased with what his side produced before and after the lengthy interruption, praising a performance that brought another win and strengthened Chelsea’s early position in the table.
“The mentality was excellent,” he said. “We knew how to be efficient in different situations. I loved the team’s spirit. We deserved to win and it was a very good game.”
| Club | Position | Points | Form note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 4th, provisional | 13 | Second consecutive victory |
Chelsea will take satisfaction from the points and the manner in which they handled the contest, but the immediate focus now rests on Martínez’s condition. The club await the outcome of his hospital tests before looking towards the next fixture.
