[new headline block] [Neto’s two‑goal display seals Chelsea’s upset on Everton amid Martinez head injury]
Argentinian international taken to hospital for precautionary tests after a head clash with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Published On 17 Oct 2026
Pedro Neto’s duel ended Everton’s first defeat of the season as Chelsea won 2‑0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, despite goalkeeper Emi Martinez sustaining a head injury.
He broke the deadlock in the first minute of the second half and doubled up after Martinez spent long minutes receiving urgent medical attention.
Neto collided violently with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, suffered a brassy impact and was rushed to the hospital for precautionary examinations.
A first away triumph lifts Chelsea above the Toffees into the competition’s top four, and adds to the Blues’ record of just one Premier League clean sheet in 23 matches.
“We needed such a win away; our play has been professional and resolute, giving us a pleasant result,” said Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.
“We believe this effort matters. We require additional clean sheets throughout the remainder of the season, but securing the top‑four position already brings pride,” continued Alonso.
‘This win is for him’
That charged incident further energised the home side and ignited Everton to peak form for the game.
Midfielder Thierno Barry mistimed his run, heading perilously close to Martinez after a cross from Jack Grealish.
Chelsea capitalised quickly, as Moises Caicedo slipped down the bar from a well‑trained corner.
Everton reacted ferociously after Morgan Rogers earned a free before the break following a severe collision with England partner James Garner.
The turnaround underscored the visitors’ renewed intensity.
Hatano threaded a precise diagonal pass into the box where Neto deftly struck low, turning the game level.
Although Chelsea had gone unnoticed without a clean sheet since January, they seldom faced challenges when fighting against an untidy Everton defence, especially after Martinez’s absence.
“I felt Chelsea brought a bit more flair and precision at decisive moments today,” commented Everton skirmisher Davids Moyes.
The injured Martinez’s prolonged absence jeopardised Chelsea’s winning momentum as the blues claimed control in the latter stages.
Belgian Keir Penders entered for Neto in his inaugural league debut and played primarily to neutralise desperate evasions from Everton.
On the defensive front, Pickford displayed excellence by denying Joao Pedro a chance.
Chelsea again seized the tide when Neto sensibly finished a cross from Jordan Henderson after the shot was blocked by Everton’s goalkeeper.
“We’re genuinely pleased—though poor luck befell Emi, and we hope you do well,” Neto informed TNT Sports following his maiden Premier League brace.
He added, “We need a clean sheet, truthfully. The squad executed well; Martinez deserves credit for stepping up under pressure.”
