Pedro Neto scored twice as Chelsea defeated Everton 2-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, handing the hosts their first defeat of the season. However, the victory was overshadowed by a head injury to Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

Neto opened the scoring shortly after half-time and sealed the result during 11 minutes of added time. The extended stoppage followed lengthy medical treatment for Martinez, who suffered a head collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Martinez was taken to hospital for precautionary tests.

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

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The result gave Chelsea their first away win of the season and lifted them above Everton into the Premier League’s top four. It also ended their wait for a league clean sheet, with the club recording its first in 23 Premier League matches.

“We needed one of these wins away. We have played very professional, very serious, looking solid. It is a very good win,” Alonso said.

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

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The match took time to find its rhythm before tensions rose in a physical first half. Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong sparked a fiery spell with a challenge on Josh Acheampong, which resulted in the first of five yellow cards before the break.

The incident lifted the home crowd and helped Everton enjoy their strongest spell of the opening period.

However, Thierno Barry missed a good opportunity to put the hosts ahead. The French forward directed a header from Jack Grealish’s cross too close to Martinez.

Chelsea also threatened before the interval. Four minutes before half-time, Moises Caicedo struck the crossbar following a well-worked corner.

Everton were frustrated when Morgan Rogers avoided a second yellow card shortly before the break after a heavy challenge involving England team-mate James Garner.

Chelsea made the most of their strong start to the second half.

Jorrel Hato reached the byline and delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Neto controlled the ball before firing past Jordan Pickford to give the visitors the lead.

Martinez Injury Overshadows Chelsea Victory

Chelsea’s momentum was briefly interrupted by the lengthy treatment required for Martinez. The goalkeeper was eventually taken to hospital for further assessment.

Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders replaced him, making his first Premier League appearance. He faced little pressure as Everton struggled to create clear chances, relying largely on hopeful crosses into the box.

Chelsea remained in control for much of the second half. Pickford produced an excellent save to deny Joao Pedro, but Everton could not prevent another goal.

Neto struck again during the 11 minutes of added time. After Jordan Henderson’s free-kick was blocked by the Everton wall, the Portuguese winger calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner to complete his brace.

The victory gave Chelsea a much-needed defensive boost after a lengthy run without a league clean sheet.

Everton manager David Moyes acknowledged the difference between the sides.

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

Chelsea will take confidence from the result as they look to build consistency, while Everton must respond after suffering their first defeat of the campaign.