Pedro Neto scores twice as Chelsea defeat Everton to claim fourth place

Pedro Neto scored two goals to give Chelsea a crucial away win against Everton on Saturday, ending the Toffees' unbeaten run and securing the Blues' first clean sheet of the season.

The Match

Neto opened the scoring just 43 seconds after the second-half restart, converting after Jorrel Hato provided the assist. The Portugal winger then sealed the victory in the 90th minute by slotting home a loose ball from close range after a blocked free-kick. The result lifts Chelsea into fourth place in the Premier League table. The match also featured a concerning moment when Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was carried off on a stretcher following a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite, leading to Premier League debuts for young Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders and Everton's Christian Norgaard.

Reaction

Speaking to TNT after the match, Pedro Neto dedicated the win to Martinez and expressed happiness with the clean sheet. Owen Hargreaves named Neto as the player of the match. Everton's Harrison Armstrong and Merlin Rohl both earned high ratings for their defensive efforts, while striker Thierno Barry expressed frustration over missed chances during a physical contest.

Context

Clean sheets have been rare for Chelsea over the past year, making a defensive shutout a notable milestone for the club's backline. Everton's home ground remains one of the more difficult fixtures in English football, adding weight to Chelsea's victory on the road.