Neto’s brace ends Everton’s unbeaten start as Chelsea win amid Martínez injury scare
Neto delivers decisive double for Chelsea
Pedro Neto scored twice as Chelsea returned from the international break with a 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, ending the hosts’ unbeaten start to the season and lifting Chelsea to fourth. The visitors also recorded their first clean sheet in the competition since January.
Everton had the better of much of a combative first half, but missed chances to turn their pressure into a lead. Thierno Barry headed Jack Grealish’s cross straight at Emiliano Martínez, while a Moises Caicedo volley for Chelsea struck the crossbar before the interval. Martínez also saved from Grealish and Barry.
Chelsea struck shortly after the restart. Morgan Rogers helped release Jorrel Hato down the left, and Hato’s low delivery reached Neto, whose shot beat Jordan Pickford. The winger doubled his tally in the closing stages, collecting the ball after a free-kick ricocheted around the Everton area and finishing low beyond Pickford.
Martínez carried off after collision
The result was overshadowed by concern for Martínez, who sustained a head injury in a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite as the pair contested a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall free-kick. After lengthy treatment, the Argentina international was carried from the pitch on a stretcher with a neck brace. Chelsea brought on Mike Penders, making his Premier League debut.
Everton were unable to find a way back after conceding. Pickford was beaten for both goals, while the home side’s opportunities included Barry’s first-half header and a later effort saved by Martínez. Chelsea managed the closing stages and secured a win that ended Everton’s unbeaten run.
BBC player ratings: Neto leads the way
In BBC Sport’s ratings, Neto was Chelsea’s top performer with 8 out of 10. Morgan Rogers, Jorrel Hato, Maxence Lacroix, Jordan Henderson and Moises Caicedo each received 7. For Everton, Harrison Armstrong and Merlin Rohl were rated 7, while Pickford and Barry received 5.
Published: 2026-10-17