Neto brace gives Chelsea a 2-0 win at Everton

Pedro Neto scored twice as Chelsea won 2-0 away to Everton in the Premier League. The result lifted Xabi Alonso’s side to fourth, ahead of the rest of the weekend’s fixtures, while Everton fell to sixth and suffered their first league defeat of the season.

Chelsea went ahead just after half-time, with Neto finishing a move begun by Jorrel Hato, whose cutback took a deflection. Neto then added a second to complete his brace. Everton had enjoyed the possession and created the better chances, according to the match account, but Chelsea took the victory.

In the Premier League, Chelsea are 4th with 13 points and Everton are 7th with 10, a gap of 3 points. At home, Chelsea have 2 wins and 1 draw in 3 matches (11 goals scored, 6 conceded), while Everton have 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in 4 matches (5 goals scored, 4 conceded). Away, Chelsea have 2 wins and 2 losses in 4 matches (6 goals scored, 7 conceded), while Everton have 3 draws in 3 matches (3 goals scored, 3 conceded).

The game was also overshadowed by an injury to Emiliano Martínez. The Chelsea goalkeeper was carried off on a stretcher after a clash of heads with Jarrad Branthwaite in the 75th minute. Mike Penders came on in his place, making his Premier League debut. Martínez’s injury drew attention away from Chelsea’s performance and remained the main concern after the final whistle.

Chelsea did, however, secure their first clean sheet in nine months. After the match, Xabi Alonso praised the seriousness of his team. David Moyes acknowledged that Everton had not played well. Neto said advice from Portugal’s national-team coach had helped him stay calm in front of goal.