Neto struck immediately after the interval and added a second goal late in the match to secure three valuable points for Xabi Alonso’s side. However, the victory was overshadowed by a concerning head injury suffered by Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Neto Strikes Seconds After Half-Time
Chelsea faced a determined Everton side during a competitive first half, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough.
Cole Palmer tested Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from distance, while Neto created an opportunity that ended with Jordan Henderson seeing his effort blocked.
Everton also threatened through Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry, but Martínez made important interventions to keep the hosts at bay.
Chelsea came close to opening the scoring before the break when Moisés Caicedo’s well-struck volley hit the crossbar. Maxence Lacroix also saw a goalbound header cleared off the line as the visitors increased the pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived just 43 seconds into the second half.
Morgan Rogers released Jorrel Hato down the left, and the defender delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area. Neto found space and calmly swept his finish past Pickford to give Chelsea the lead.
Martínez Injury Overshadows Chelsea’s Victory
Chelsea suffered a worrying setback midway through the second half when Martínez collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during an aerial challenge.
The goalkeeper received lengthy treatment before being stretchered off and replaced by Mike Penders, who made his Premier League debut.
Chelsea manager Alonso later confirmed that Martínez had suffered a concussion. The goalkeeper was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after leaving the stadium conscious.
Penders handled his introduction confidently, helping Chelsea maintain their advantage as Everton searched for an equaliser.
The visitors remained organised defensively and looked dangerous on the counter-attack, with Palmer creating another opportunity for João Pedro that Pickford managed to save.
Neto Completes His Brace
Chelsea secured the result in the 90th minute after Henderson’s attempt from a set-piece situation was blocked.
The loose ball fell to Neto, who showed composure inside the penalty area before rolling his second finish into the opposite corner.
The goal completed an impressive individual performance from the Portuguese winger, whose two strikes proved decisive in a physically demanding contest.
Chelsea then negotiated 11 minutes of added time to claim their first Premier League clean sheet since January, bringing an end to a difficult run without shutting out a league opponent.
What the Result Means
The victory gives Chelsea consecutive wins following their emphatic 5-1 victory over Bournemouth before the international break. It also moves Alonso’s side above Everton in the Premier League table, ahead of the remaining weekend fixtures.
For Everton, the defeat represents their first league loss of the season. David Moyes’ side showed intensity in the opening period but were unable to recover after Neto’s early second-half goal.
Chelsea will now turn their attention to a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 24 October.
Match Details
• Everton: 0
• Chelsea: 2
• Chelsea scorers: Pedro Neto 46', 90'
• Competition: Premier League
• Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
• Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
• Chelsea manager: Xabi Alonso
Chelsea will take encouragement from the result and their improved defensive performance, although Martínez’s health will remain a major concern following an otherwise successful afternoon on Merseyside.