Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders has reportedly used an unusual goalkeeping technique involving Vaseline to improve his grip and help deliver impressive performances, including the 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

According to a report by Football London on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper applied petroleum jelly to his goalpost at Stamford Bridge as part of a technique designed to improve his gloves' grip, particularly when dealing with crosses and corners.

Penders has recently stepped into Chelsea's starting XI following Emi Martinez's jaw injury, making three consecutive appearances for Xabi Alonso's side.

His introduction was initially difficult after making a costly mistake against Tottenham, when he punched a corner into his own net during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat.

However, the youngster responded positively with encouraging performances against Liverpool in the EFL Cup and Manchester United in the Premier League.

The Daily Mail, as reported by Football London, revealed that Penders was spotted rubbing his hands with Vaseline shortly before claiming a Bruno Fernandes cross during the victory over United.

The technique is not new in professional football, with several goalkeepers having used petroleum jelly to improve their grip in wet conditions and when dealing with difficult deliveries.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster has previously praised the method, revealing that he learned about it from Joe Hart, who picked it up from Kasper Schmeichel.

Penders is believed to have learned the technique from Karl-Johan Johnsson, Strasbourg's second-choice goalkeeper last season.

The Swedish goalkeeper has also explained its benefits in a YouTube video that has attracted more than 50,000 views.

It remains unclear whether Penders used the same approach against Tottenham, but his subsequent performances against Liverpool and Manchester United have offered encouragement.

His display against United included an impressive save to tip Bryan Mbeumo's powerful effort onto the crossbar, helping Chelsea secure a valuable clean sheet.

With defensive consistency remaining important for Alonso's side, Penders' recent performances have strengthened his case for continued selection ahead of Sunday's trip to Sunderland.