Chelsea FC v Manchester United - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
The pressure has been on Mike Penders. Thrown in at the deep end, the Belgian made a horrible mistake against Tottenham, but against Manchester United, he kept a clean sheet.
Ultimately, Penders has been crucial in the two clean sheets Chelsea have kept in the Premier League this season. He came on against Everton and helped keep the Toffees at bay after Emi Martinez’s injury.
Penders might have made a mistake against Tottenham, but he also made a number of saves, and then, at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, he couldn’t have done much more. On Saturday, Penders was magnificent.
Denying Man United on a few occasions, and with the help of VAR ruling out Matheus Cunha’s goal for offside, Penders kept a Premier League clean sheet of his own. It is something Romeo Lavia has expected.
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Romeo Lavia heaps praise on Mike Penders after a wonder save
Chelsea were cruising towards three points, 2-0 up against a 10-man Man United. But out of nowhere, Bryan Mbeumo unleashed a piledriver from 20 yards that looked destined to hit the back of the net.
However, replays showed Penders fingertipped his effort onto the bar, showing incredible reflexes and reaction time to get his hands on the ball. His enormous 6ft 7in frame helped him make the super save.
Penders can be heard celebrating his save, bending down and screaming with his fists clenched. The goal would have been a consolation, but it was a moment that saw the pressure drain from Penders.
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Manchester United played well, their offense was very smooth, especially with short passes, but their defense had problems.
Estêvão is really playing well, he can play more, he can play in the next game, this guy is great.
Estêvão can hold the pillow and cry for two nights. If he is late for training tomorrow morning, Alonso will forgive him.
Speaking after the game, Romeo Lavia – who arguably produced his best performance in a Chelsea shirt – told Chelsea’s media that it is something the Blues squad have been talking about behind the scenes.
“[We are] very happy [with Penders]. We were all watching Mike’s save towards the end of the game from the volley. It happened quickly, but when I watched the replay, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, that was a great save.’
“I’m very happy because that’s been a conversation at the training ground. We’re happy that we’re making progress,” Lavia explained, knowing Penders more than most, given they both play for Belgium.
Penders was utterly magnificent: Chelsea star’s stats v Man United
The best way to underline just how good Penders was is to compare him to Man United’s Lammens on the day. Penders touched the ball 33 times on the day. Lammens – also Belgian – touched it 43 times.
Lammens was certainly busier, producing eight saves to Penders’ three. However, the large majority of those came after Lisandro Martinez’s red. Man United had an XG of 0.3, with Penders saving 0.3 goals.
In terms of his distribution, he completed four of his 10 long balls. His 40% was better than Lammens, who managed just 28%, completing five out of 18. Lammens only completed 16 of his 30 passes.
But it is quite clear who is better on the ball and who is better at finding a teammate. Penders completed 19 of his 25 passes. His save will take the plaudits, but his stunning distribution also deserves praise.