Chelsea moved into the Premier League’s top four after Pedro Neto scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, handing the hosts their first defeat of the season.
Neto opened the scoring shortly after half-time and sealed the win in the 11 minutes of added time following a lengthy stoppage for Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who suffered a head injury.
Martinez was involved in a serious head clash with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and was taken to hospital.
The match began slowly before Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong’s challenge on Josh Acheampong sparked a heated contest, with five yellow cards shown in the first half.
Everton enjoyed their best spell after the incident, but Thierno Barry failed to capitalise on Jack Grealish’s cross, directing his header straight at Martinez.
Chelsea threatened shortly before half-time when Moises Caicedo struck the crossbar from a well-worked corner.
Everton were also frustrated when Morgan Rogers avoided a second booking after a heavy challenge on England team-mate James Garner.
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Chelsea took advantage early in the second half. Jorrel Hato reached the byline and sent a low cross into the box, where Neto controlled the ball before firing past Jordan Pickford.
Martinez’s injury briefly halted Chelsea’s momentum, with Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders replacing him for his first Premier League appearance.
Penders faced little pressure as Everton struggled to create clear chances, despite sending several crosses into the box.
Pickford made a fine save to deny Joao Pedro, but Everton could not prevent Chelsea from scoring again.
Neto completed his brace by calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner after Everton’s wall blocked Jordan Henderson’s free-kick.
The victory lifted Chelsea above Everton into the Premier League’s top four.
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