Pedro Neto Scores Twice As Chelsea Beat Everton

 

Chelsea produced a determined second-half performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Pedro Neto delivering two decisive goals.

Before the interval, Everton stood firm on their turf while Chelsea weathered their attacks until they found the breakthrough immediately after the restart.  Chelsea had just recovered the winning streak, beating Bournemouth 5-1, after three consecutive winless run in the Premier League. 

Neto struck in the 46th minute to put the visitors ahead before returning in the stoppage time to seal the victory with a superb second goal in the 90th minute. It was his first brave of the second. 

In the 46th minute, Morgan Rogers held off Ainsley Maitland-Niles before backheeling the ball into the path of the overlapping Jorrel Hato. His low-cut cross was deflected into Neto’s path, and the Portuguese winger took a touch before nestling the ball in the net. 

With Everton desperately searching for an equaliser, Chelsea scored the winner in the 90th minute. Cole Palmer's free-kick waa blocked by the defensive wall. The ball ricocheted to Neto, who calmly guided the ball beyond Pickford into the far corner.

the Portuguese forward was making his 187th Premier League appearance and scored a double for it. Chelsea secured their first back-to-back victory under Xabi Alonso since his appointment in the summer. 

Overview 

Chelsea started off offensively, even though Everton pushed back occasionally, force them to their back foot. David Moyes' game plan worked effectively. He kept the Blues at bay and not affording chances to Joao Pedro. It lasted but Chelsea found a way. It took Chelsea late but it was worth the effort. 

They dominated the midfield giving them the offensive advantage, with Moise Calceido playing a vital role, ensuring the ball moved around. Nevertheless, the hosts were up to the task. Jack Grealish was a standout player for Everton and he was inspiring to the team. Everton were able to keep the status cuo, forcing Chelsea back into their own half. 

Chelsea sustained the pressure and the second half was different. Wiith Morgan Rogers, Pedro, and Palmer up front, the stood the better chance to win. Everton played well, despite the lost and were unable to hold the deadlock after Neto struck. 

Chances and Assists

Despite the pressure from Chelses, Everton had scoring chances that put the Blues to check. One of those great moment was Grealish volley that Martinez narrowly parried over the bar. Calceido nearly put Chelsea in the lead when his right-footed volley clipped the frame. It was a first half of shared advantages for both teams. Neto's long-range shot was another great moment for Chelsea. 

Instead of scoring chances, Chelsea made most of their opportunities. However, they stood stood the chance to widen the margin when Palmer led a fast break and played in Pedro inside the box, but the striker hit the ball into Jordan Pickford's catch. Also, came close to pulling a goal back when Brennan Johnson missed getting a tap-in on Jack Garner's cross in from of the six-yard box.