Chelsea beat Everton as Pedro Neto double overshadows Emi Martinez injury

Chelsea moved into the Premier League’s top four with a 2-0 win at Everton, but the result was overshadowed by a serious-looking head injury to goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

Pedro Neto scored twice, including once in the opening minute of the second half, before sealing Chelsea’s first away victory of the season during 11 minutes of added time.

Martinez was taken to hospital after a sickening collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said the Argentina international was conscious when he left the stadium.

“As far as I know he left the stadium conscious. Right now he’s in hospital doing precautionary tests, so let’s see,” said Alonso.

The goalkeeper’s treatment interrupted Chelsea’s control of the match and Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders came on to make his first Premier League appearance. He was rarely tested, apart from dealing with a number of desperate Everton crosses.

The victory lifted Chelsea above Everton in the table and secured their first Premier League clean sheet in 23 matches.

“We needed one of these wins away. We played very professionally, very seriously, looking solid. It is a very good win,” added Alonso.

“We need to get many more clean sheets for the rest of the league games, but for sure the first one of the season feels good and now we need to keep going this way.”

Neto makes the difference

The match took time to settle before bursting into life when Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong was booked for a forceful challenge on Josh Acheampong. It was the first of five yellow cards shown in the opening half.

The incident lifted the atmosphere inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium and Everton produced their strongest spell of the game. Thierno Barry wasted an opportunity when he headed Jack Grealish’s cross too close to Martinez.

Chelsea, who have often started quickly under Alonso, created their first clear chance four minutes before the interval. Moises Caicedo struck the crossbar after the visitors worked a corner routine.

Everton were unhappy when Morgan Rogers avoided a second yellow card after a heavy collision with England team-mate James Garner shortly before half-time.

Chelsea began the second period sharply and took the lead when Jorrel Hato reached the byline before cutting the ball back. Neto controlled the low cross and fired beyond Jordan Pickford.

Despite losing Martinez, the visitors remained largely untroubled by an Everton side lacking forward options. Pickford did make an excellent save to keep out Joao Pedro, but Everton struggled to create a sustained threat.

Neto then completed his double after Jordan Henderson’s free-kick was blocked by the Everton wall, calmly placing the rebound into the bottom corner.

“I just felt that Chelsea had that little bit more flair and ability which we didn’t possess at the right moments today,” said Everton manager David Moyes.