New signing Emi Martinez makes immediate Chelsea impact in Brighton thriller

The Argentina goalkeeper joined Chelsea from Aston Villa on a three-year contract and was thrown straight into the starting XI after only 48 hours with the club.

Despite conceding three goals, Martinez produced several important reaction saves as Chelsea claimed their second Premier League victory of the season.

Alonso was pleased with what he saw from the experienced goalkeeper and believes his personality could be just as important as his performances.

"Emi is a World Cup winner, is 33 years old, and is very experienced," Alonso told the Chelsea website.

"I spoke with him yesterday and we talked about the game and our team. He felt ready, and I don't have to tell him many things for him to perform.

"Even today, while a goalkeeper wants to keep a clean sheet, I am happy with his impact. He has been in the building just 48 hours, so now we will have a whole week to prepare for the next one.

"Day by day, we will feel this presence because he has this charisma, this aura to influence and have a very positive connection with the rest of the team."

Chelsea looked in complete control during the opening stages and raced into a three-goal lead.

Romeo Lavia opened the scoring from close range for his first Chelsea goal before Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro added further goals.

Brighton refused to give up, with Malick Yalcouye reducing the deficit before Joao Pedro turned a cross into his own net.

Cole Palmer then restored Chelsea's two-goal advantage with an excellent curling finish from 20 yards.

Pascal Gross scored late for Brighton, but Chelsea held on to secure three points in a game that Alonso admitted showed both the strengths and weaknesses of his team.

"All the wins I enjoy a lot, but it was a game that in different moments had different feelings," Alonso said.

"In the end, we're happy with the result. We value this win against a very good opponent who have been tough in the last few years.

"We are happy with that, and there are things and moments that we have done well, but it's a process to keep on learning and improving. Usually, that is easier with a win."

The only major concern for Chelsea was the injury suffered by Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuador midfielder made his first appearance of the season from the bench but lasted only 13 minutes before being replaced by Valentin Barco.

Alonso confirmed that Caicedo will be assessed during the week but indicated that the problem was not a new one.

"He was cautious to stop and say his feeling wasn't the best," Alonso said.

"We need to assess during the week, but it wasn't something new."

Chelsea will now turn their attention to a difficult trip to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday.