Chelsea Breaks Everton's Undefeated Run: Pedro Neto Brace and Mykolenko's Return

London's Chelsea secured an away victory over Everton in the seventh round of the English Premier League. The match score was 2:0 in favor of the visitors, marking the hosts' first defeat of the current season. Special attention was drawn by the return of Ukrainian defender Vitaliy Mykolenko to the starting lineup, who stepped back onto the pitch from the first minutes following a forced pause due to injury.

Match Flow: From Even Battle to Visitors' Initiative

The first half was marked by a tense struggle: both teams actively vied for the initiative, though neither managed to break the deadlock before the break. One of the sharpest moments of the half came from visitors' midfielder Moisés Caicedo, whose powerful shot struck the goal frame. Only after the restart did Chelsea manage to capitalize on their advantage and take the lead.

Pedro Neto's Brace Decides the Encounter

Already in the 46th minute, Pedro Neto finished off the visitors' attack to put Chelsea ahead. According to sources, Neto's shot deflected through Mykolenko's legs before hitting Jordan Pickford's net. The question of the winner was finally settled in the 90th minute: Neto capitalized on a defensive error by the hosts following a set-piece to complete his brace, sealing the 2:0 result.

Martinez's Injury and Missed Chances

An unpleasant episode occurred in the second half involving Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez: following a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite, the keeper sustained a head injury and had to leave the pitch on a stretcher. He was replaced in goal by Mike Penders. Everton tried to claw their way back, with Thierno Barry missing a solid opportunity to equalize.

Mykolenko's Return and Consequences for the Teams

For Vitaliy Mykolenko, this match marked a return to Everton's starting XI after injury, and the Ukrainian found himself at the center of one of the match's key episodes. Despite this, David Moyes' team failed to maintain their undefeated streak, suffering their first defeat after six opening rounds without conceding. Meanwhile, Chelsea claimed crucial three points and climbed into the championship's top four.