Just hours after his signing was confirmed, Emiliano Martinez debuted for Chelsea against Brighton, stepping into the starting XI under manager Xabi Alonso. Despite his immediate inclusion, it became evident that Martinez alone could not address the team's defensive frailties, as they conceded three goals in a 4-3 victory.

Martinez, who joined from Aston Villa for £7.5 million, asserted he was "fit and ready" despite the last-minute announcement. He had already trained with his teammates prior to the registration deadline, with the public confirmation delayed for marketing purposes.

In the match, blame for the goals conceded did not fall on Martinez, contrasting with Robert Sanchez, who faltered in a previous 3-2 win against Fulham. The team now has five goals conceded in two games, yet their potent attack maintains a perfect record.

A win is a win,

Pundit Shay Given praised Martinez as a "brilliant signing," noting Alonso's decision to start him immediately, signaling a need for strong leadership in goal. As Chelsea prepares for a challenging match against Arsenal, Alonso must find ways to control games better.

Martinez, a two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper award winner, aims to solidify Chelsea's defense while contributing to their title ambitions. Alonso expressed satisfaction with Martinez’s early impact, emphasizing the goalkeeper's charisma and influence on the team.

In contrast, Sanchez, who joined from Brighton for £25 million, has struggled with consistency and is now available for transfer. Alonso hinted at the potential for tough decisions regarding Sanchez's future.

Martinez's statistics from last season reflect his capability, boasting a higher save percentage and better passing accuracy than Sanchez. He has already engaged with Chelsea legends like John Terry, expressing his commitment to help the club achieve its goals this season.