Neto double at Everton leads Chelsea to victory marred by Martínez head injury

Chelsea have returned from the international break with a spirit, authority and resilience that augurs well for Xabi Alonso. Their troubles at Everton, not a happy hunting ground in recent years, were confined to the seven minutes Emi Martínez needed treatment for a head injury as Pedro Neto’s double delivered a deserved victory in the Merseyside sunshine.

The Argentina goalkeeper was taken to hospital for tests after an accidental collision with Jarrad Branthwaite left him with suspected concussion. “When he left the stadium he was conscious,” Alonso said. “Hopefully it is not too bad but we need to wait.” A first Premier League clean sheet since January, and a second successive win since losing at Brentford before the Nations League break, were otherwise secured with a minimum of fuss in a commanding second-half performance.