Pedro Neto scored twice as Chelsea defeated Everton 2-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, recording their first away win of the season and their first Premier League clean sheet since January.

The result lifts Chelsea above Everton into the top four of the Premier League table.

Neto opened the scoring inside the first minute of the second half, with Jorrel Hato reaching the byline before delivering a low cross that fell to the Portuguese winger, who controlled and fired low past Jordan Pickford.

The second goal came deep into added time, when Neto coolly stroked into the bottom corner after Jordan Henderson's free-kick was blocked by the Everton wall.

The victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who was involved in a head clash with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and was subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary tests.

Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders replaced Martinez for his first Premier League appearance and had little to do as Chelsea controlled the remainder of the match.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso provided an update on Martinez's condition after the game. "As far as I know he left the stadium conscious. Right now he's in the hospital doing the precautionary tests, so let's see," he said.

Alonso also reflected on the significance of the result. "We needed one of these wins away. We have played very professional, very serious, looking solid. It is a very good win," he said.

"We need to get many more clean sheets for the rest of the league games but for sure the first one of the season feels good and now we need to keep going this way," he added.

The match was a fiery affair, with five yellow cards shown in the first half alone. Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong was booked early after a strong challenge on Josh Acheampong, a tackle that also energised the home crowd and sparked Everton's best spell of the game.

Everton striker Thierno Barry wasted a clear opportunity when he planted a header from Jack Grealish's cross too close to Martinez. Chelsea also came close before the break when Moises Caicedo struck the bar from a well-worked corner.

Everton were angered when Morgan Rogers escaped a second yellow card just before half-time following a heavy challenge on James Garner.

Despite the loss of their goalkeeper, Chelsea were rarely troubled in the second half. Pickford made a fine save to deny Joao Pedro, but Everton offered little else going forward.

Everton manager David Moyes acknowledged his side's shortcomings. "I just felt that Chelsea had that little bit more flair and ability which we didn't possess at the right moments today," he said.

Neto dedicated the win to his injured teammate after scoring his first Premier League brace. "We are really pleased. Shame for Emi but we wish you all the best. This win is for him," he said.

"We need a clean sheet, to be honest. I think we did a very good game. Emi deserved this, Mike did as well," he added.