Pedro Neto double fires Chelsea to 2-0 win over Everton
Chelsea climbed to fourth in the Premier League after Pedro Neto struck twice in a 2-0 away win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Neto broke the deadlock within seconds of the second half, scoring in the 46th minute after a goalless and tightly contested opening period. The winger then finished the job in the 90th minute, delivering the decisive touch as Chelsea converted control into three points.
Everton had frustrated Chelsea before the interval with a compact low block and physical approach. Chelsea held 53 per cent of possession but initially struggled to create clear openings, with most of their early efforts coming from distance.
Neto delivers after early booking
Neto had been cautioned in the 27th minute but remained Chelsea’s key attacking threat. His early second-half goal changed the pattern of the contest, forcing Everton to take greater risks in search of an equaliser.
Joao Pedro did not score, but his movement gave Chelsea a focal point and pulled Everton’s central defenders out of position. Cole Palmer found little of his usual room between the lines and was booked on 65 minutes, while Morgan Rogers also received a yellow card after a tactical foul in the first half.
Enzo Maresca’s side stayed patient after the interval and protected their lead effectively before Neto added his second in the closing stages. The forward was withdrawn deep into added time after an exhausting display.
Defence shuts down Everton response
Chelsea’s defensive structure restricted Everton to 0.55 expected goals despite a late push from the home side. Everton sent in 17 crosses and recorded five efforts on target, but they could not find a way through.
Maxence Lacroix was dominant at centre-back, particularly in the air, while Levi Colwill’s recovery speed helped deal with Everton’s counter-attacking moments. Jorrel Hato kept his discipline on the flank before departing in stoppage time.
Josh Acheampong was booked in the 32nd minute during a testing physical contest, but Chelsea’s back line remained compact. Moises Caicedo, captaining the team, covered ground across midfield and repeatedly disrupted Everton’s rhythm. Jordan Henderson provided protection in front of the defence and helped Chelsea manage possession.
Emiliano Martinez kept the clean sheet during his 75 minutes on the pitch, commanding his area well and using his distribution to help Chelsea play through Everton’s press. Mike Penders replaced him and saw out the final spell without conceding.
What happens next
Chelsea will take confidence from a disciplined away performance in which Neto supplied the cutting edge and the defence absorbed Everton’s late pressure. Caicedo and Joao Pedro were replaced in the 92nd minute, with Romeo Lavia, Danny Welbeck and Marco Palestra introduced to help close out the game. Geovany Quenda followed in the 102nd minute as Chelsea protected the result.
The win also underlined the impact of Chelsea’s half-time response. The visitors emerged with greater purpose after the break, and Neto’s immediate strike ensured Everton’s resistance did not last beyond the interval.
