{
  "id": 4472988,
  "title": "EPL: Why I played goalkeeper Emi Martinez in Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Brighton – Alonso",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/epl-why-i-played-goalkeeper-emi-martinez-in-chelseas-4-3-win-over",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-30T18:07:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/30/epl-why-i-played-goalkeeper-emi-martinez-in-chelseas-4-3-win-over-brighton-alonso/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chelsea's coach, Xabi Alonso, explained his decision to field new goalkeeper Emi Martinez in their 4-3 victory over Brighton. Despite Martinez joining the club just hours before the match, Alonso had no reservations about placing him in the starting lineup. The Spanish manager emphasized that Martinez, a World Cup winner at the age of 34, brought invaluable experience to the team. Following the game, Alonso addressed concerns about using a rookie goalkeeper immediately, stating that Martinez felt prepared and ready to contribute. He praised the young keeper's charisma and positive influence on the team. With Martinez having been with the squad for only 48 hours, Alonso assured that the team would have ample time to adapt and build on his impactful debut. Chelsea aims to maintain their winning momentum with an intense London derby against Arsenal in the coming week.",
  "summary": "Chelsea boss, Xabi Alonso, has given reasons for his decision to play new goalkeeper Emi Martinez in their 4-3 win over Brighton on Sunday. The World Cup winning goalkeeper was in goal for Chelsea despite the Argentine joining the club just hours before the game against Aston Villa. The Spanish manager said he never had any […] EPL: Why I played goalkeeper Emi Martinez in Chelsea’s 4-3 win over…",
  "key_points": [
    "Xabi Alonso chose Emi Martinez as Chelsea's goalkeeper for the match.",
    "Martinez, a World Cup winner, joined Chelsea just hours before the game.",
    "Alonso praised Martinez's readiness and positive influence on the team."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}