Martinez debuts in seven-goal thriller as Chelsea beat Brighton to stay in title hunt

Emiliano Martinez made his Chelsea debut in a chaotic 4-3 Premier League victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge, one day after completing his £7.5m transfer from Aston Villa, with the Argentina goalkeeper immediately declaring his intention to win the title.

The World Cup winner was rushed straight into Xabi Alonso’s starting XI and, despite conceding three goals, played his part in securing Chelsea’s second consecutive league win. The result keeps Chelsea firmly in the Premier League title conversation, with 36 games still to play.

Martinez was candid about his ambitions after the match. “I am here for a reason,” he said. “I spoke with Chelsea legends John Terry and Petr Cech. I know how big this club is and what we want to achieve this season. I came here to challenge and to try and win the Premier League.”

The goalkeeper praised Chelsea’s attacking options — Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro — while acknowledging that defensive improvement is needed. “The front three is amazing. When we go forward, we can hurt teams,” he said. “At the back, we need to bring the goals down. I trained only one day with the team but I know the talent we have up front. I try to bring that solidity at the back.”

Martinez also reflected on his seven-year spell at Villa with warmth, but was clear-eyed about the step he has taken. “A win is a win. I know it wasn’t a perfect game. But in the end, winning and moving on is what we need.”

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso struck a measured tone when asked about the upcoming clash with Arsenal. “It’s not that this is going to be replicated against Arsenal next week,” he said. “Today it was a big challenge and a big test, and next Sunday it’s going to be a big one. But we can continue progressing on the good things and correcting the ones we can do better.”

Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler was left frustrated by the outcome, insisting his side deserved more. “Overall we really had the opportunity to take something from here with this performance,” he said. “We dominated the game, had the ball, created plenty of chances.”

Chelsea’s next test comes against Arsenal, a fixture that will offer a sharper measure of their title credentials.