Neto shines as Chelsea edge Everton – full player ratings

Pedro Neto’s brace in the second half gave Chelsea a vital away victory over Everton on Saturday. The Portuguese winger opened the scoring just 43 seconds after the restart and added a second in the 90th minute, ending the Toffees’ unbeaten run and delivering Chelsea’s first clean sheet of the campaign.

Everton XI

Jordan Pickford (ENG) – 5. The England keeper could not stop Neto’s opener but later produced a series of important saves.
Ainsley Maitland‑Niles – 5. The summer signing was quiet at right‑back after Chelsea’s goal came down his side.
James Tarkowski – 6. Provided a solid defensive display and was key in the physical battles.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 6. The newly capped England defender made several crucial blocks and tackles.
Vitali Mykolenko – 6. Returned to the lineup and delivered an excellent cross that created a late first‑half chance for Thierno Barry.
Harrison Armstrong – 7. The academy graduate raised his voice inside the stadium, earned a harsh booking early on and later cleared a shot off the line.
James Garner – 6. His set‑piece delivery was below his usual standard, but he helped defensively and broke up play.
Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall – 6. Struggled to create clear openings but supplied a dangerous cross for Grealish and a good free‑kick cross in the second half.
Merlin Röhl – 6. Surprise starter who defended diligently, took Everton’s first shot and blocked a chance from Morgan Rogers.
Jack Grealish – 7. Started quietly, grew into the game and produced Everton’s best chance with an inswinging cross for Barry.
Thierno Barry – 6. Missed a first‑half header and later struck another effort straight at the goalkeeper.

Subs used: Christian Nørgaard (on 85 for Armstrong) – 4. Made his Premier League debut, looked rusty and gave the ball away, later booked for a needless foul on Palmer. Brennan Johnson (on 85 for Grealish) – 4. Tyrique George (on 85 for Maitland‑Niles) – 4. Unused subs: Travers, O’Brien, Dibling, Hackney, Alcaraz, Graham.

Chelsea XI

Emiliano Martínez – 6. The Argentina goalkeeper avoided punishment after a slow goal‑kick that led to a corner, made several routine saves and was later carried off on a stretcher after colliding with Branthwaite.
Josh Acheampong – 6. Showed forward threat but was booked for a late challenge on Grealish.
Maxence Lacroix – 7. One of his best performances for Chelsea, cleared a header off the line and defended strongly throughout.
Levi Colwill – 6. Had a relatively quiet afternoon, rarely tested defensively.
Pedro Neto – 8. Scored 43 seconds after the restart and again in the 90th minute, was involved in most of Chelsea’s attacks and received a needless booking for dissent.
Jordan Henderson – 8. Influential across the pitch, delivered strong set‑piece work and saw a shot blocked.
Moises Caicedo – 7. Enjoyed the midfield physical battle and came close to scoring with a first‑time volley that hit the crossbar before half‑time.
Jorrel Hato – 7. The Dutch defender, Chelsea’s only change from the previous win, provided the assist for Neto’s first goal and was composed on the ball.
Cole Palmer – 7. Quiet by his standards but dangerous when involved, tested the keeper early and later lifted an inventive effort over the bar.
Morgan Rogers – 6. The club‑record signing displayed competitive edge, his clever back‑heel key to the build‑up of Chelsea’s goal.
João Pedro – 5. A subdued display from the Brazilian who had been in fine form, missed a good chance to seal victory in the 86th minute.

Subs used: Mike Penders (on 74 for Martínez) – 6. Made his Premier League debut, punched a cross cleanly at 84 minutes but later flapped at a shot before making a simple save. Marco Palestra (on 90+1 for Hato) – 5. Danny Welbeck (on 90+1 for Pedro) – 5. Romeo Lavia (on 90+1 for Caicedo) – 5. Geovany Quenda (on 90+11 for Neto) – 5. Unused subs: Fofana, Barco, Nicoll‑Jazuli, Estevao, Quenda.

Player of the match

Pedro Neto – rating 8.09

Average ratings

Everton – Jordan Pickford 5.67, Ainsley Maitland‑Niles 4.90, James Tarkowski 5.83, Jarrad Branthwaite 5.42, Vitali Mykolenko 5.23, Harrison Armstrong 5.40, James Garner 5.40, Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall 6.02, Merlin Röhl 5.23, Jack Grealish 5.92, Thierno Barry 5.08, Christian Nørgaard 4.00, Brennan Johnson 4.87, Tyrique George 4.00.

Chelsea – Emiliano Martínez 6.00, Josh Acheampong 6.00, Maxence Lacroix 7.00, Levi Colwill 6.00, Pedro Neto 8.09, Jordan Henderson 8.00, Moises Caicedo 7.00, Jorrel Hato 7.00, Cole Palmer 7.00, Morgan Rogers 6.00, João Pedro 5.00, Mike Penders 6.00, Marco Palestra 5.00, Danny Welbeck 5.00, Romeo Lavia 5.00, Geovany Quenda 5.00.