By Daily Review Online
Chelsea secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, with Pedro Neto scoring twice to end the hosts’ unbeaten start to the season and give the Blues their first league clean sheet in nine months.
Neto struck immediately after the interval and added a second goal in the 90th minute as Chelsea claimed their first victory at Everton since August 2022.
The result lifted Xabi Alonso’s side above Everton into the Premier League’s Champions League qualification places, with 13 points from their opening seven matches.
Chelsea could have taken the lead in the first half when Moises Caicedo struck the crossbar with a volley following a corner. Maxence Lacroix also came close, but his header was cleared off the line in stoppage time.
Everton had opportunities of their own, with Thierno Barry heading straight at Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez from close range. Martinez later produced an impressive save to deny Jack Grealish, keeping the score level before the break.
The first half was also marked by controversy involving Chelsea forward Morgan Rogers, who escaped a second yellow card following a challenge on Everton’s James Garner despite already being booked.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean criticised the decision, arguing that the tackle warranted a red card. Everton manager David Moyes also expressed disappointment with the officials’ handling of the incident.
Chelsea made the breakthrough just 43 seconds into the second half. Neto collected a pass from Jorrel Hato and squeezed his effort past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to put the visitors ahead.
Everton struggled to respond after conceding, managing only one shot on target in the second half as Chelsea maintained control of the contest.
The match was interrupted by a worrying injury to Martinez, who suffered a head injury following a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite while challenging for the ball.
After receiving treatment for several minutes, the Chelsea goalkeeper was stretchered off and taken to hospital for precautionary tests. He was replaced by 21-year-old goalkeeper Penders, who became Chelsea’s youngest-ever Premier League goalkeeper.
Neto sealed the victory in the 90th minute, collecting the loose ball following a free-kick from Jordan Henderson before firing home to complete his brace.
Speaking after the match, Alonso praised Chelsea’s disciplined display, describing the performance as mature and professional.
The Chelsea manager said his team had remained in control for much of the game, defended well and created opportunities, while acknowledging the importance of building on their first league clean sheet of the season.
Moyes, meanwhile, was left frustrated by the officiating and his side’s second-half performance.
The defeat ended Everton’s unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign, while Chelsea strengthened their push for a Champions League place with an important away victory.