LIVERPOOL — Pedro Neto scored twice as Chelsea secured a 2-0 away win at Everton on Saturday, ending the Toffees' unbeaten run and recording their first clean sheet of the season. The Portugal winger struck just 43 seconds after the restart and added his second in the 90th minute after a blocked free-kick fell to him inside the box.
Neto was the standout performer and earned an 8 out of 10 in BBC Sport's player ratings, having earlier threatened with a long-range effort before half-time and remaining involved in much of Chelsea's attacking play despite a needless booking for dissent. Morgan Rogers, whose clever backheel played a key role in the build-up to the opener, was rated 7, as were Jordan Henderson, Moises Caicedo and Jorrel Hato — the latter providing the assist for Neto's first goal on his return as Chelsea's only change from last week's win.
For Everton, Harrison Armstrong and Merlin Rohl both impressed with 7s. Armstrong, the academy graduate, raised the volume with a robust challenge that earned a harsh first-half booking before clearing an effort off the line, while surprise starter Rohl defended diligently, registered Everton's first shot and produced an excellent block to deny Rogers in the second half. James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitali Mykolenko, James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish were all rated 6, with Grealish creating the hosts' best chance via an inswinging cross for Thierno Barry.
Barry endured a frustrating afternoon and was rated 5 after heading a first-half chance over and later striking straight at the goalkeeper, the same mark given to Jordan Pickford — who may have been disappointed not to keep out Neto's opener despite several later saves — and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who endured a quiet afternoon at right-back as Chelsea's opener came down his side. Substitute Christian Norgaard, making his Premier League debut for Everton after his summer move from Arsenal, was rated 4 after looking rusty, giving the ball away to present Chelsea with a chance and later being booked for a needless foul on Cole Palmer.
Chelsea's defensive display was led by Maxence Lacroix, rated 7 for one of his best performances since joining the club after seeing a header cleared off the line and defending impressively throughout, while Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong were both rated 6. Emiliano Martinez was rated 6 before being carried off on a stretcher after a collision with Branthwaite in worrying scenes, having earlier been fortunate not to be punished for taking too long over a goal-kick. His replacement Mike Penders came on in the 74th minute for his Premier League debut and was rated 6 after punching one cross well, flapping at the next and making a simple save. Joao Pedro was subdued with a 5 after squandering a good chance to seal victory in the 86th minute, while Cole Palmer was also rated 6 on a relatively quiet display by his standards.