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“You’re going to look a clown” – Confident Chelsea youngster impressed pundit with one 17 yard decision

Mike Penders showed his authority right away when he came in to play on Saturday and impressed one pundit in particular. If you enjoy Talk…

By Will Faulks · Talk Chelsea

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 4:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Pundit Stuart Pearce praised Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders for showing confidence during an unexpected Premier League debut.
The 21-year-old came on for the final 20 minutes after Emi Martinez suffered a broken jaw.
Pearce noted that Penders risked looking like a clown on a bold cross claim, but handled it cleanly.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Pundit Stuart Pearce praised Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders for his confident Premier League debut on Saturday. The 21-year-old stepped in unexpectedly for the final 20 minutes after starter Emi Martinez suffered a broken jaw in a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite. Pearce highlighted a bold 17-yard claim by Penders, noting that missing the cross would have made him "look a clown," but the young keeper executed the play successfully.

Chelsea went on to secure a victory, scoring a second goal to seal the match after Penders entered the pitch. Following the severe injury to Martinez, Pearce noted that Penders is now poised to receive an extended run in the first team.

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“You’re going to look a clown” – Confident Chelsea youngster impressed pundit with one 17 yard decision

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