Alonso has full faith in Chelsea backup who is now in the firing line

Xabi Alonso has been answering questions about Mike Penders. who is set to step up as first choice keeper while Emi Martinez is out.

Xabi Alonso has just taken his post-match press conference, and of course the focus was on Emi Martinez.

The goalkeeper had a sickening collision with an opposition player and was stretchered off. He was replaced by Mike Penders, who made his Premier League debut and maintained the clean sheet – Chelsea’s first since January.

Alonso confident in Penders ability

Once Alonso had answered questions about Martinez’s status, he was asked about how he thought Penders played, and how he felt about him being first choice while Martinez is out:

“He did well. You could see what Mike is all about, he’s a personality. He’s brave, we have full trust in him. He played in the cup games, whenever he is needed he can perform,” Alonso replied calmly.

Alonso compared Penders to Jorrel Hato, who stepped into the side at the last minute today to replace Pep Chavarria who got a knock.

“Jorrel did really well today… it’s all about the squad. All the players feel they are important and know they will have their moment when they are needed.”

In other news…

We also got an update on the status of Martinez from Alonso after the game after his horrible injury.

Estevao didn’t get on the pitch against Everton today, and there are concerns about a lack of game time for him.

Pedro Neto is one of the players keeping Estevao out of the team right now, and that was justified by his performance today.