Why Chelsea need more than a new goalkeeper to be title challengers

What the report says

Chelsea’s new goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made an immediate debut in a 4-3 Premier League win over Brighton, but BBC Sport says his arrival will not, by itself, fix the team’s wider defensive issues. Martinez, signed from Aston Villa for about £7.5m and thrown straight into the starting line-up by manager Xabi Alonso, had completed only one full training session before the match at Stamford Bridge. While he was not at fault for the goals Chelsea conceded, the victory again exposed how open the side can be.

The report says Chelsea have conceded five goals in their opening two league games, despite winning both. Their attack, featuring players such as Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, has been productive, but the team has struggled to control matches, keep possession and deal with set-pieces. Against Brighton, Chelsea had just 25.9% possession and completed only 146 passes, both described as club lows in the Premier League context.

Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina and a recent Europa League winner with Villa, told Sky Sports he had joined to help bring more stability at the back and challenge for the Premier League. BBC Sport also notes that his signing appears to have pushed Robert Sanchez down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, with the Spain international now available for transfer. Alonso said decisions on Sanchez would be made, while acknowledging Martinez’s presence and experience.

The piece argues Chelsea will need more than a new goalkeeper if they are to be genuine title contenders, especially with a difficult trip to Arsenal coming next.