Mike Penders embraces pressure after Tottenham error and Man Utd redemption

Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders has revealed that he is enjoying the pressure of playing in the Premier League after recovering from a costly mistake against Tottenham Hotspur.

The 21-year-old Belgian has experienced a dramatic introduction to Chelsea's first team, conceding an own goal against Spurs before producing impressive performances against Liverpool and Manchester United.

His remarkable late save against United has now earned a nomination for the Premier League's October Save of the Month award.

Speaking to Belgian broadcaster Play Sports, in an interview covered by Sporza, Penders discussed the criticism surrounding his mistake, his growing confidence and comparisons with former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Penders came under scrutiny after punching the ball into his own net during Chelsea's defeat to Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

The mistake came during his first Premier League start, having made his debut as a substitute against Everton following Emiliano Martínez's injury.

However, the former Genk goalkeeper believes dealing with setbacks is an important part of establishing himself at a club of Chelsea's stature.

"The criticism here is on a different scale," he explained, comparing the attention at Chelsea with his previous experience in Belgium.

Rather than allowing the reaction to affect his confidence, Penders focused on responding in his next appearance.

He produced several important saves against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup before keeping a clean sheet in Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United.

His most memorable intervention came deep into stoppage time when Bryan Mbeumo unleashed a powerful long-range shot.

Penders managed to get his fingertips to the ball, diverting it onto the crossbar and preserving Chelsea's two-goal advantage.

The touch was so slight that even his teammates initially struggled to believe he had made the save.

"Nobody in the dressing room believed I'd got a touch on it," he said.

The intervention has since been nominated for the Premier League's October Save of the Month award, providing further recognition of his response to the Tottenham setback.

Penders returned from his loan spell at Strasbourg hoping to establish himself in Chelsea's first-team squad, although the arrival of Emiliano Martínez increased competition for the goalkeeping position.

The Argentina international's jaw injury subsequently opened the door for Penders, who has been given an opportunity under Xabi Alonso.

His performances against Liverpool and Manchester United have helped rebuild confidence following the disappointment against Tottenham.

Alonso praised the youngster after the United victory, highlighting his composure and ability to recover from a difficult moment.

Penders, meanwhile, believes the increased attention is helping rather than hindering his development.

"I actually enjoy this pressure. It just makes you a bit better and sharper," he explained.

That attitude could prove important as he competes for further appearances once Martínez returns to full fitness.

Chelsea's decision to trust him in consecutive high-profile fixtures has already provided valuable experience at Premier League level.

Penders has also attracted comparisons with Thibaut Courtois, another Belgian goalkeeper who developed at Genk before establishing himself at Chelsea.

Courtois went on to win two Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge before joining Real Madrid in 2018.

The similarities in their backgrounds have inevitably encouraged comparisons, although Penders is still at an early stage of his senior career.

The youngster regards being compared with one of Belgium's most successful goalkeepers as encouragement rather than an additional burden.

His recent performances have offered a glimpse of his potential, but maintaining consistency will be essential if he is to challenge for a regular starting position.

Chelsea visit Sunderland on Sunday, 8 November, with Emiliano Martínez potentially returning from his jaw injury.

Alonso must decide whether to retain Penders following his recent performances or restore the experienced Argentina international if he is declared fit.

Meanwhile, voting for October's Premier League Save of the Month closes on Monday, 9 November, with the winner due to be announced on 13 November.