Mike Penders showed against Manchester United that Chelsea are in “safe hands”

Young goalkeeper Mike Penders has demonstrated he can be relied upon at Chelsea following a clean sheet against Manchester United. Stepping in after Emiliano Martinez suffered a fractured jaw against Everton, the 21-year-old Belgian recovered from an earlier mistake against Tottenham to deliver strong displays against Liverpool and Manchester United, highlighted by a stoppage-time save from Bryan Mbeumo.

Manager Xabi Alonso commended Penders' resilience and development after keeping his second clean sheet in three matches. While Martinez could reportedly return wearing a protective face mask before the international break, writer Connor Johnson suggests Penders could maintain the starting spot if his impressive form continues.