Everton Taste First Loss Of The Season To Chelsea
Everton tasted defeat for the first time this season as a second-half double from Pedro Neto proved the difference in a 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Blues were competitive in the opening 45 minutes and carved out the best opportunity when Thierno Barry headed a wicked delivery from Jack Grealish into the arms of Emiliano Martinez from six yards out.
There was a big talking point just before the interval, too, when Morgan Rogers – already on a yellow card – escaped another booking going into a challenge with fellow England international James Garner.
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That would have made a difference to the story that unfolded in the second half as Chelsea prove the better team to leave with three points.
Just seconds after the break, Rogers played in Josh Acheampong down the left byline as the defender picked out Neto inside the area to hit a first-time finish beyond Jordan Pickford.
Tyrique George was soon called into action from the bench, with Brennan Johnson following along with Christian Nørgaard for his Everton debut.
But the Toffees could not muster a chance to trouble substitute goalkeeper Mike Penders – on when Martinez needed to be taken off on a stretcher following a clash competing for the ball with Jarrad Branthwaite.
And the visitors wrapped up the contest as 11 minutes of added-time approached when Jordan Henderson's 20-yard free-kick was blocked, but Neto was allowed space to collect the loose ball inside the area and side-foot a finish into the bottom left-hand corner.
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