By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Pedro Neto scored twice in the second half to inspire Chelsea to a 2-0 victory over Everton, ending the hosts’ unbeaten start to the Premier League season.
Neto opened the scoring just 43 seconds after the restart, giving Chelsea the breakthrough before completing his brace in the 90th minute to secure all three points for the visitors.
Despite the victory, Chelsea were dealt a worrying blow when goalkeeper Emi Martinez suffered a head injury following a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite inside the penalty area.
The Argentine international received nearly nine minutes of treatment before being stretchered off the pitch.
Chelsea also avoided playing with 10 men after Morgan Rogers escaped punishment for a dangerous challenge on Everton’s James Garner. Rogers failed to win the ball and caught Garner with his studs raised, but the referee took no disciplinary action.
Everton struggled to threaten after the interval, managing just one shot on target in the second half.
Their clearest opportunity came when Thierno Barry headed straight at Martinez, while Jack Grealish was later denied by an impressive save from the Chelsea goalkeeper as he attempted to score with a volley.
The result marked Chelsea’s first away win against Everton since August 2022 and lifted them above their opponents in the Premier League table, providing a significant boost to their campaign.
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