Mohit Singh
Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, October 17, with Pedro Neto scoring twice in the second half to lift the Blues into the Premier League’s top four.
The win, in round 7 of the 2026-27 season, was overshadowed by a serious-looking head injury to Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who was stretchered off midway through the second half and taken to hospital.
Neto Strikes Seconds After the Break
After a goalless but feisty first half that produced five yellow cards and several heated exchanges, Chelsea needed just 43 seconds after the restart to break the deadlock. Morgan Rogers drove down the left wing and combined with Jorrell Hato, whose low cross found an unmarked Pedro Neto to sweep the ball past Jordan Pickford.
Pickford will feel he could have done better with the shot, but Neto’s movement in the box was sharp, and Chelsea were suddenly in front in a match where chances had been scarce. Despite dominating more than two-thirds of the possession in the first half, the Blues had created little before the break.
Martinez Injury Stops the Game
In the 66th minute, the match was halted for several minutes when Emi Martinez was involved in a sickening collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Racing off his line to claim a set piece, Martinez made head-to-head contact with Branthwaite as the Everton man tried to put a header on the ball.
Martinez received medical attention for nearly ten minutes before being stretchered off in the 75th minute, replaced by 21-year-old Mike Penders, who came on for his Premier League debut. Some Everton fans jeered as the stretcher left the field, apparently unconvinced by the severity of the injury.
Speaking afterwards, Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso confirmed the Argentine international was being assessed at hospital.
“As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious. Right now he’s in the hospital doing some precautionary tests,” Alonso said. “So, let’s see, but this is what I know so far.”
Neto Seals It Late
Chelsea doubled their lead in the 90th minute when Neto pounced on a loose ball after Jordan Henderson’s free kick was blocked by the Everton wall, finding the bottom corner with a composed finish to complete his brace.
The Portuguese winger was the difference in a scrappy contest. Alonso reserved special praise for the match-winner afterwards.
“He can do many things. Today, he did well. He’s a threat against any full-back. I’m happy we could score. Cole, Joao, Morgan – they didn’t score, but played a fantastic game,” Alonso said.
Alonso also singled out defender Jorrell Hato, who was involved in the opening goal.
“He did really well,” Alonso said of Hato, who made his fifth start in Chelsea’s seven league matches this season.
What It Means for the Table
The victory lifted Chelsea to fourth in the Premier League, ahead of a London derby against Tottenham next weekend. The clean sheet was Chelsea’s first in the Premier League this season — ending a run of 22 league games without one, stretching back to January.
For Everton, the defeat was their first of the league season, and it stalled the momentum of David Moyes’ side at home. Chelsea’s win was their fourth in seven matches this campaign.
Match Facts at a Glance
- Final score: Chelsea 2-0 Everton
- Chelsea goals: Pedro Neto (46′, 90′)
- Clean sheet: Chelsea’s first in the Premier League this season
- Next up: Chelsea host Tottenham; Everton travel to Arsenal
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Everton vs Chelsea?
Chelsea won 2-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 17, 2026, with Pedro Neto scoring both goals in the second half.
Who scored for Chelsea against Everton?
Pedro Neto scored both goals — one 43 seconds into the second half from Jorrell Hato’s cross, and one in the 90th minute after a blocked Jordan Henderson free kick.
What happened to Emi Martinez?
The Chelsea goalkeeper suffered a head injury in the 66th minute following a collision with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. He was stretchered off and taken to hospital for precautionary tests; Mike Penders replaced him for his Premier League debut.
Where does the result leave Chelsea in the Premier League table?
The win moved Chelsea up to fourth place with their fourth victory in seven matches, while Everton suffered their first league defeat of the season.
