Chelsea’s young goalkeeper Mike Penders made history on Saturday, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League goalkeeper after stepping in for the injured Emiliano Martinez during the second half against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Chelsea’s Mike Penders makes history after replacing injured Martinez

The 21-year-old entered the fray under difficult circumstances, replacing the veteran Martinez, a two-time Yashin Trophy winner, who suffered a fractured jaw and required hospital treatment.

Despite the high-pressure situation, Penders delivered a composed performance.

He helped Chelsea secure a rare clean sheet, making several impressive saves and commanding his penalty area effectively.

The young shot-stopper also experienced the physicality of the English top flight, fumbling the ball once and being knocked over during a set piece, but he ultimately completed the job Martinez started.

Following the match, Penders took to social media to describe the appearance as a “very proud moment.”

The official Chelsea website confirmed that at 21 years old, Penders surpasses Lenny Pidgeley to claim the record as the Blues’ youngest goalkeeper in the competition.

Penders now looks set to start Chelsea’s next fixture against Spurs at Stamford Bridge.

Barring any unforeseen issues, he will become the club’s youngest-ever starting goalkeeper in the Premier League, breaking a record held by Petr Cech.

Cech was 22 years and 87 days old when he started against Manchester United on the opening day of the 2004-05 season.

Penders will be almost exactly a year younger at 21 years and 85 days on Saturday.

Chelsea were not prepared to hand Penders the starting role in the summer, but circumstances now force him into the spotlight.

Cech famously held onto his spot for a decade after his first start.

The Blues will hope Penders can channel even a fraction of that longevity as he prepares for his first senior start in a London derby.