Pedro Neto scored twice to secure Chelsea a 2-0 win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, ending the hosts’ unbeaten start to the season despite goalkeeper Emi Martinez suffering a head injury.
Neto struck shortly after half-time before sealing the victory in stoppage time, extended by 11 minutes following Martinez’s lengthy treatment after a head collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Argentine was subsequently taken to hospital.
The result moves Chelsea above Everton into the Premier League’s top four.
A tense first half intensified when Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong’s challenge on Josh Acheampong triggered the first of five yellow cards. Thierno Barry later missed a promising opportunity, heading Jack Grealish’s cross straight at Martinez.
Chelsea’s best chance before the break came when Moises Caicedo struck the crossbar from a well-worked corner. Everton were also angered when Morgan Rogers escaped a second booking following a heavy challenge on James Garner.
Chelsea capitalised early in the second half as Jorrel Hato’s low cross found Neto, who controlled the ball before beating Jordan Pickford.
Martinez’s injury briefly disrupted the visitors’ momentum, but replacement goalkeeper Mike Penders made his Premier League debut and faced little serious pressure as Everton struggled to create chances.
Pickford denied Joao Pedro with an excellent save, but Neto completed his brace late on, calmly finishing into the bottom corner after Everton’s wall blocked Jordan Henderson’s free-kick.
