Emiliano Martinez makes Chelsea debut: Can he fix their defensive woes?

Emiliano Martinez made his debut for Chelsea just five hours after his £7.5m transfer from Aston Villa was confirmed. Manager Xabi Alonso threw the 33-year-old straight into the starting lineup for the 4-3 victory against Brighton, but the match highlighted lingering vulnerabilities in the squad.

While Martinez was not at fault for the three goals conceded, the performance underscored systemic defensive issues. Chelsea have now conceded five goals in their first two matches, extending their run without a clean sheet to 18 games. Martinez, a two-time FIFA Best Goalkeeper, acknowledged that while the attack is thriving, the team must improve their defensive solidity to become title contenders.

Pundit Shay Given praised the signing as "brilliant," noting that Alonso needed a player with Martinez's stature and aura. However, the arrival has left Robert Sanchez, the previous starter, in a difficult position, with the Spaniard now seemingly fourth in the club's goalkeeping hierarchy.

Alonso faces a major tactical challenge regarding ball retention. Against Brighton, Chelsea recorded only 25.9% possession, the lowest in an Alonso-managed match since 2003. With the midfield unsettled—partly due to Enzo Fernandez being sidelined amid interest from Manchester City—the defensive back line remains exposed. The club is now actively looking for reinforcements, including Lamine Camara, to stabilize the squad.