Xabi Alonso gives positive update on Emiliano Martinez after Chelsea win

Xabi Alonso says Emiliano Martinez left the stadium fully conscious and was taken to hospital for precautionary medical examinations after Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Everton.

The goalkeeper was replaced by Mike Penders in the 75th minute after suffering a serious injury during the seventh round of the Premier League season.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Chelsea manager Alonso said: “Emiliano Martinez left the stadium fully conscious and is currently in hospital undergoing precautionary medical tests. That is all I know so far.”

Chelsea secured a comfortable victory at Everton, with the result moving them up to fourth place on 13 points. They are five points behind leaders Manchester City, while Everton remain sixth with 10 points.

The match also brought Chelsea their first Premier League clean sheet since January. It ended a run of 22 consecutive league matches in which they had failed to prevent their opponents from scoring.

Alonso had said after Chelsea’s previous match that a victory and a clean sheet would come soon. Both were achieved in the team’s next game at Everton.

The Chelsea manager also praised Pedro Neto after the winger’s contribution to the win, highlighting his ability to remain a threat throughout a match.

“Pedro Neto has great quality and ability,” Alonso said. “He is a constant threat and has a highly competitive level.”

He added: “Neto can run a lot, take on opponents in one-on-one situations and score goals, so I am very happy for him.”

Alonso was also pleased with the performances of Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, even when they did not score.

“We are very happy with the performances of Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer even when they do not score,” he said. “They had a great game.”