Neto double gives Chelsea win at Everton as Martinez injured
Pedro Neto scored twice as Chelsea beat Everton, ending the hosts' unbeaten run and keeping a first clean sheet of the season, though goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was carried off injured.
Pedro Neto's two second-half goals earned Chelsea an away win at Everton, ending the Toffees' unbeaten run and giving the Blues their first clean sheet of the season. Neto struck 43 seconds after the restart and added a second in the 90th minute after a blocked free-kick fell to him in the box. The Portugal winger was central to much of Chelsea's attacking play, though he was also booked for dissent.
Chelsea's win was marred by concern for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who was carried off on a stretcher after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite. The Argentina international had earlier escaped punishment for taking too long over a goal-kick. Mike Penders replaced him for a Premier League debut and made a good punch from a cross before flapping at the next one.
In the player ratings, Maxence Lacroix was singled out for one of his best Chelsea performances, with a header cleared off the line, while Jordan Henderson was influential across the pitch and Moises Caicedo hit the crossbar with a first-time volley. Jorrel Hato assisted Neto's opener. Cole Palmer had a relatively quiet display by his standards, and Joao Pedro produced a rare subdued performance, squandering a chance to seal victory in the 86th minute.
For Everton, Harrison Armstrong drew praise for a robust challenge that earned what the ratings called a harsh booking and later cleared an effort off the line. Merlin Rohl, a surprise starter, defended diligently, registered Everton's first shot and blocked a Rogers effort. Thierno Barry was left frustrated, heading a first-half chance poorly and later shooting straight at the goalkeeper.
Christian Norgaard, making his Everton Premier League debut as a substitute, looked rusty, gave the ball away immediately and was booked for a foul on Palmer. The ratings also noted Jordan Pickford's disappointment at not keeping out Neto's opener despite later saves, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles enduring a quiet afternoon as Chelsea's goal came down his side.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
