Chelsea finally ended their frustrating wait for a Premier League clean sheet after Pedro Neto scored twice to secure a 2-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in a contest overshadowed by a worrying injury to goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
The victory marked Chelsea’s first league clean sheet in 23 matches, ending a run of 22 consecutive Premier League games without shutting out their opponents. Neto’s second-half double also condemned Everton to their first league defeat of the season and lifted Chelsea above the Merseyside club in the standings.
However, the result came at a cost, with Martínez stretchered off following a frightening collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Argentine goalkeeper was subsequently taken to hospital for further medical examinations, casting a shadow over an otherwise impressive afternoon for Xabi Alonso’s side.
The encounter began with both teams struggling to establish control in a physically demanding opening period. Chelsea enjoyed spells of possession, but Everton defended aggressively and looked to threaten through quick attacks and set pieces.
Cole Palmer tested Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with a shot from distance around the 15th minute, while Chelsea also threatened through Neto’s movement down the right. A subsequent opportunity fell to Jordan Henderson, whose effort was blocked before Pickford could be seriously tested.
Everton responded through Merlin Röhl, whose attempt was comfortably dealt with by Martínez. The home side then came close to taking the lead when Jack Grealish delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, allowing Thierno Barry to meet the ball with a header from close range. However, the Everton forward directed his effort straight at Martínez, wasting a promising opportunity.
The Chelsea goalkeeper was called into action again when he stretched to tip Grealish’s bouncing volley over the crossbar as Everton increased the pressure.
Tempers also began to flare as the first half progressed, with several players receiving yellow cards in a match that became increasingly physical. Harrison Armstrong was booked in the 23rd minute, while Pedro Neto and Josh Acheampong were also cautioned. Morgan Rogers and Everton captain James Tarkowski received yellow cards following a heated exchange in the 34th minute.
Rogers later found himself at the centre of another controversial moment when he challenged James Garner with a high, studs-up tackle shortly before the interval. Everton players and supporters were furious that the Chelsea forward was not shown a second yellow card, allowing him to remain on the pitch.
Chelsea nearly broke the deadlock before half-time through a well-worked corner routine involving Henderson and Moisés Caicedo. The Ecuadorian midfielder timed his run towards the far post and connected brilliantly with a volley, sending the ball crashing against the crossbar. Pickford was beaten, but the woodwork denied Chelsea what would have been a spectacular opening goal.
The breakthrough finally arrived just 43 seconds after the restart. Rogers released Jorrel Hato down the left flank, and the defender made an excellent run towards the byline before delivering a low cross into the penalty area.
Neto was perfectly positioned to receive the ball and finished low towards the bottom corner, beating Pickford to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead in the 46th minute.
The early goal gave the visitors renewed confidence, and they began to look more dangerous whenever they moved forward. Everton attempted to respond, but Chelsea’s defensive organisation made it increasingly difficult for the hosts to find clear opportunities.
The contest was then interrupted by a serious incident involving Martínez and Branthwaite. Both players challenged for a free kick delivered into the penalty area, and the pair collided heavily as they attempted to reach the ball.
Medical personnel rushed onto the pitch as Martínez remained down, requiring several minutes of treatment. Branthwaite eventually recovered sufficiently to continue after being assessed, but the Chelsea goalkeeper needed to be carried away on a stretcher following approximately 10 minutes of treatment.
Martínez was taken to hospital for precautionary examinations, while Alonso later confirmed that the goalkeeper was conscious when he left the stadium.
The incident forced Chelsea to introduce Mike Penders, who made his Premier League debut after replacing Martínez. The young goalkeeper was immediately tasked with helping his side protect their advantage during a difficult period in the match.
Chelsea remained disciplined despite the disruption, with Penders dealing with the situations that came his way as Everton struggled to create a sustained threat.
Pickford kept the scoreline respectable at the other end, producing an important save to deny João Pedro after Chelsea threatened on the counterattack.
Neto eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute. Everton had an opportunity to send the ball into Chelsea’s penalty area through a free kick, but Henderson’s delivery was blocked by the defensive wall.
The loose ball fell back into Neto’s path, and the Portuguese winger kept his composure before rolling a low finish into the bottom corner beyond Pickford.
His second goal sealed Chelsea’s 2-0 victory and completed an outstanding individual performance, with the winger proving decisive at both ends of the second half.
Eleven minutes of added time followed the lengthy stoppage for Martínez’s injury, but Chelsea maintained their defensive discipline to secure the clean sheet that had eluded them for 22 consecutive Premier League matches.
For Alonso, the result represented an important step forward as Chelsea strengthened their position in the league standings. For Everton, it was a disappointing end to their unbeaten start, particularly after a first half in which they created opportunities but failed to convert them.
Yet the overriding concern after the final whistle remained Martínez’s condition. Chelsea will await further medical updates as they hope their goalkeeper makes a full recovery from the frightening collision.
The Blues departed Merseyside with three valuable points, two goals from Neto and a long-awaited clean sheet, but their celebrations were tempered by uncertainty surrounding the injured Argentine goalkeeper.
