Everton 0-2 Chelsea: Neto double ends clean-sheet wait as Martinez injury raises concern

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Pedro Neto scored twice as Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium, ending the hosts’ unbeaten Premier League start.

The Portugal international struck immediately after half-time and again in the 90th minute to secure a second successive league victory for Xabi Alonso’s side.

Chelsea also ended a run of 22 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, although their afternoon brought concern for Emiliano Martinez, who was stretchered off following a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite.

Everton 0-2 Chelsea: Neto makes the difference

A physical first half ended goalless, with Moises Caicedo coming closest to breaking the deadlock when his volley from a Jordan Henderson corner struck the woodwork.

Martinez was also called into action, saving a Thierno Barry header as Everton sought a breakthrough of their own.

Chelsea needed less than a minute of the second half to find the opening goal. Jorrel Hato advanced down the left and supplied the cutback for Neto, whose finish beat Jordan Pickford.

Hato had been named on the left of Chelsea’s side in the confirmed Everton vs Chelsea line-ups, and his contribution helped turn a tight contest in the visitors’ favour.

Neto settled the result in the 90th minute. After a Chelsea free-kick struck the wall and Everton failed to clear, he collected the loose ball and placed his finish into the corner.

Martinez forced off after collision

The second half was interrupted by a lengthy stoppage after Martinez and Branthwaite collided while challenging for a delivery into Chelsea’s penalty area.

Mike Penders replaced the injured goalkeeper, while Branthwaite continued.

TNT Sports reported that Martinez had been taken to hospital. No diagnosis was confirmed in the initial coverage.

Chelsea finally end their clean-sheet drought

Neto supplied the goals, but keeping Everton out was another significant part of Chelsea’s afternoon.

According to Chelsea’s official pre-match statistics, their previous Premier League clean sheet came against Brentford on 17 January. Their last away league shutout was at Bournemouth on 6 December 2025.

Chelsea had conceded 13 goals across their opening six league matches this season. This result therefore gives Alonso something to build on defensively, alongside another decisive attacking contribution.

For Everton, the defeat ends a six-match unbeaten league start. David Moyes’ side remain on 10 points, with Chelsea moving three points ahead of them.

The hosts had approached the match with encouragement from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s growing influence in midfield, but could not find the goal needed to bring themselves back into contention.

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