EPL: Neto brace fires Chelsea into top four as Martinez suffers head injury

Pedro Neto scored twice as Chelsea sealed a crucial 2-0 win over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, moving into the Premier League’s top four despite a head injury to goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

Neto opened the scoring four minutes into the second half, controlling Jorrel Hato’s low cross before firing past Jordan Pickford. He completed his brace in the 11 minutes of added time, calmly slotting into the bottom corner after Everton’s wall blocked Jordan Henderson’s free-kick.

The result lifted Chelsea above Everton into the top four, while the match was overshadowed by a serious-looking head collision involving Martinez and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Argentine goalkeeper received lengthy treatment before being taken to hospital.

After a slow start, the contest intensified when Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong launched into a tackle on Josh Acheampong, triggering the first of five yellow cards in the opening half.

The challenge lifted the home crowd and helped Everton enjoy their strongest spell of the game. However, Thierno Barry missed an opportunity to give the hosts the lead, directing a header from Jack Grealish’s cross too close to Martinez.

Chelsea struggled to create clear chances early on, with their first significant threat arriving four minutes before half-time when Moises Caicedo struck the crossbar from a well-worked corner.
Everton were also frustrated when Morgan Rogers escaped a second booking shortly before the break following a heavy challenge on England teammate James Garner.

Chelsea capitalised after the interval, with Neto breaking the deadlock to put the visitors in control.

Martinez’s injury briefly interrupted Chelsea’s momentum, with Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders replacing him for his first Premier League appearance. Penders had little to do as Everton struggled to threaten, managing only a few desperate crosses.

Chelsea had not kept a Premier League clean sheet in 22 matches stretching back to January, but Everton offered limited attacking resistance after Martinez’s departure.

At the other end, Pickford produced a fine save to deny Joao Pedro before Neto sealed the points with his second goal.

The result strengthened Chelsea’s push for a Champions League place, while Everton were left to rue missed opportunities and their inability to respond after conceding early in the second half.