Emi Martínez Hospitalized Following Head Injury in Chelsea Victory at Everton

Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martínez was stretchered off and taken to the hospital following a 67th-minute collision during a 2-0 win against Everton.

Two goals from Pedro Neto secured a 2-0 victory for Chelsea over Everton on Saturday at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, ending the Toffees' unbeaten start to the Premier League season. The win was overshadowed by a significant head injury to Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martínez, who was stretchered from the field while receiving oxygen in the 75th minute. The 34-year-old Argentina international was replaced by Mike Penders after a lengthy stoppage that resulted in 11 minutes of added time.

The injury occurred in the 67th minute when Martínez collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite while attempting to punch away a free kick. While Branthwaite recovered quickly, Martínez required extended treatment from paramedics and physios on the pitch. Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso confirmed the goalkeeper was conscious when leaving the stadium and has been transported to a hospital for precautionary tests. Alonso described the incident as a concussion but noted it may be more than that, stating the club must wait for further results.

The result marked Chelsea's first clean sheet of the campaign. Everton manager David Moyes noted he did not have a clear view of the collision from the dugout, describing it as a challenge for a sharing ball. Following the match, goalscorer Neto dedicated the three points to his teammate as Chelsea moved to build on a performance Alonso characterized as professional and solid.