Chelsea inflict Everton's first defeat of the season after Morgan Rogers escapes red card
Pedro Neto scored twice as Chelsea won 2-0 at Everton, handing the hosts their first Premier League defeat of the season. The match was overshadowed by a serious head injury to Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez and a controversial challenge by Morgan Rogers that went unpunished.
- Result: Everton 0-2 Chelsea
- Goals: Pedro Neto 46', 90'
- Competition: Premier League
- Key moment: Morgan Rogers escaped punishment for a high challenge on James Garner
- Injury: Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez stretchered off after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite
- Standings impact: Chelsea move above Everton into the Champions League places with 13 points from seven games
What was said
"I think it's a minimum yellow, but I called red straight away. He catches him with his studs just on the inside of Garner's knee, and I think it's a straight red, I really do. It's not a good tackle."
Dean's verdict adds weight to the argument that Chelsea were fortunate to keep 11 men on the pitch. The challenge occurred before half-time, and Everton were left aggrieved that referee Paul Tierney did not even produce a yellow card.
Dean's comments came after a feisty first half in which Tierney issued five yellow cards, the first time that had happened in the Premier League since February. The match was clearly heated, and Rogers' escape only added to the sense that Chelsea got the breaks.
The numbers
- Five yellow cards were shown in the first half – the first time that has happened in the Premier League since February.
- One second-half shot on target for Everton.
- Nine minutes of treatment for Emi Martinez before he was stretchered off.
- 43 seconds after the restart when Pedro Neto opened the scoring.
- First clean sheet in the league for Chelsea in nine months.
- First win at Everton for Chelsea since August 2022.
Injury and availability
Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez was stretchered off in the second half after receiving nearly nine minutes of treatment following a collision with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite in the box. The injury appeared serious, and Chelsea will be sweating on his fitness.
Everton had no new injuries reported in the source.
Analysis: Why Chelsea's second-half dominance decided the game
Chelsea were fortunate to go into half-time level, with Moises Caicedo – deputising as captain for the injured Reece James – hitting the bar from a corner, and Maxence Lacroix having a header cleared off the line in stoppage-time. But the second half was a different story. Pedro Neto struck 43 seconds after the restart, and Everton never recovered.
Everton managed just one second-half shot on target – Thierno Barry headed straight at Martinez early in the second half when he should have scored. Jack Grealish, a former Aston Villa team-mate of Martinez, also forced a fine save from the goalkeeper. But once Neto scored, Chelsea's confidence grew, and Neto sealed the win in the 90th minute.
The victory pushes Chelsea above Everton and into the Champions League places for now. For Everton, it is a first defeat of the season and a reality check after a promising start.
Talking points
- Should Morgan Rogers have been sent off? Mike Dean says yes, and the challenge looked reckless. Everton fans will feel aggrieved.
- How serious is Emi Martinez's injury? Chelsea's clean sheet came at a cost, and they may be without their goalkeeper for a while.
- Can Chelsea sustain a top-four push? This was an impressive away win, but they rode their luck at times.
- Are Everton's unbeaten start overrated? They offered little in the second half and lacked a cutting edge.
What happens next
Chelsea will await news on Emi Martinez's injury, with their next fixture set to test their squad depth. Everton will look to bounce back from their first defeat when they return to action. Both clubs will check the Premier League table with interest after the international break.
Frequently asked questions
Did Morgan Rogers get sent off for Chelsea vs Everton?
No, Morgan Rogers escaped any punishment for his challenge on James Garner, despite former referee Mike Dean insisting it should have been a straight red card.
Who scored Chelsea's goals against Everton?
Pedro Neto scored both goals, opening the scoring 43 seconds after half-time and adding a second in the 90th minute.
How long was Emi Martinez treated for before being stretchered off?
Emi Martinez received nearly nine minutes of treatment after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite before being stretchered off.
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