Emi Martinez has made an underwhelming start to life at Chelsea... or so we thought.
The Argentina international, a 2026 World Cup finalist, arrived with considerable expectations and immediately replaced Robert Sanchez in goal under new manager Xabi Alonso. However, his early performances have perhaps not repaid the excitment his arrival garnered.
Martinez made four saves in Chelsea's opening 4-3 victory over Brighton, with the visitors registering six shots on target and creating four big chances.
He was even busier in the London derby against the defending champions, producing eight saves – the highest total recorded by a goalkeeper on that Premier League matchday.
Despite Chelsea's defensive problems, Martinez's individual numbers have been striking. The Blues have kept no clean sheets in the league and are conceding an average of 2.4 goals per game.
Martinez, meanwhile, is averaging 4.5 saves per match, the highest figure among Premier League goalkeepers so far this season.
That figure is particularly notable when compared with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. Sofascore's Premier League statistics show Raya averaging 1.8 saves per game after five matches, less than half Martinez's figure though while playing behind a far more impressive defence.
Raya has nevertheless produced important moments for Arsenal, including a penalty save against Sunderland in September. Sofascore awarded him an 8.8 rating for that performance after he prevented 1.69 expected goals.
Ahead of Raya are Walter Benitez, Emiliano Martinez, Bart Verbruggen, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Konstantinos Tzolakis, Lukas Hornicek and Alisson.
Martinez’s average rating of 7.70 is also the best of any goalkeeper, underlining the influence he has had despite Chelsea's struggles at the back.
While Martinez still has work to do to become a firm favourite at Stamford Bridge, his statistics suggest Chelsea may have secured a highly effective goalkeeper for a relatively modest fee.
