Injured Martinez taken to hospital as Chelsea beat Everton

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez left the pitch on a stretcher with a serious-looking head injury as Xabi Alonso’s side won at Everton.

Argentina World Cup winner Martinez and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite clashed heads as they went for the ball in the 75th minute.

Branthwaite was able to continue after treatment, but the game was held up for 10 minutes as Martinez received medical care.

The 34-year-old, who was able to move his arms as he was carried off, was replaced by Mike Penders.

The game was settled by two goals from wing-back Pedro Neto, who scored at both ends of the second half.

He netted his first from Jorrel Hato’s deflected cutback, then added a late second with a cool rolled finish into the bottom corner after Jordan Henderson’s free-kick hit the wall.

The result gave Chelsea a first Premier League clean sheet in nine months and was Everton’s first league defeat this season.

Chelsea go fourth, with Everton sitting sixth, before the rest of the weekend’s games.