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Chelsea Confidential: Mike Penders’ Vaseline goalkeeping hack revealed, Emi Martinez fitness update, why Estevao started against ‘weak’ Man United and the £750 ‘dressing room experience’ for Blues fans

KIERAN GILL: One of the secrets to Chelsea goalkeeper Penders stopping United from scoring at Stamford Bridge was to use a clever trick he may have learned from a former team-mate.

By KIERAN GILL · Daily Mail

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 12:14 PM

Key Things to Know

Mike Penders smeared Vaseline on his goalpost to improve glove grip during Chelsea's 2-0 win against Manchester United.
Emiliano Martinez returned to training with jaw strapping and is pushing to play against Sunderland.
Estevao started against Manchester United because Chelsea viewed Michael Carrick's side as less physical.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders used a legal goalkeeping hack by placing Vaseline on his goalpost to increase glove grip during Chelsea's 2-0 win over Manchester United. Meanwhile, first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez returned to Chelsea training with jaw strapping after surgery and is targeting a return against Sunderland this weekend ahead of joining Argentina's national team squad.

Manager Xabi Alonso reportedly handed 19-year-old winger Estevao his first Premier League start because Manchester United was viewed as less physically demanding. Elsewhere, Chelsea has introduced a £750 matchday dressing room fan experience that has already sold out for their upcoming fixture against Leeds United.

Read the full article on Daily Mail