Chelsea entered the third international break of the season in a strong position, sitting comfortably in the top three of the Premier League table following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Despite a quieter performance from Cole Palmer on his return from injury, the Blues once again showcased their depth of talent, with several players stepping up to make a difference.
One player who continues to impress and capture the attention of fans is Moisés Caicedo, who once again proved his worth in the midfield. The Ecuadorian has become an integral part of Chelsea’s engine room, and his all-action performance against Arsenal was no exception. However, it was in the attacking department where Chelsea needed someone to take charge, especially with Palmer not yet back to his best. Step forward Pedro Neto, who delivered a stunning long-range strike in the second half to level the score and help Chelsea secure a point. The goal capped off an impressive display from the Portuguese winger, who has been one of the standout signings for Chelsea this season.
Neto’s performance was all the more impressive considering he had been asked to switch wings during the match, a tactical move that showcased his versatility and ability to impact the game from different areas of the pitch. His equalizer was a perfect example of his growing confidence and knack for being in the right place at the right time, and it added to the growing belief that Chelsea has a true star in their ranks.
Former Premier League striker Michael Bridges couldn’t hide his admiration for Neto, praising the winger’s pace, drive, and potential. Speaking on The Optus Sports Podcast, Bridges declared, “What a player, man. I am telling you this guy, the pace of him, the way he goes. I am delighted that he is back in the Premier League, and Chelsea have got an absolute superstar there.” Neto’s impact has been undeniable since joining the Blues, and with performances like this, he’s beginning to live up to that superstar billing.
While Neto is thriving on the left, there has been some discussion about shifting him to the right side of the attack to maximize his potential. Micah Richards, speaking about Chelsea’s tactical setup, suggested that playing Neto on the right could help him add even more dynamism to his game. If this move comes to fruition, it could create a challenging scenario for Noni Madueke, who has seen his form dip slightly in recent weeks. The young winger has shown flashes of his potential, but his recent performances have not been as impactful as earlier in the season, and competition for places is heating up at Stamford Bridge.
As the international break winds down, Chelsea will also be hoping to get Jadon Sancho back to full fitness. Sancho has been absent due to a combination of injury and illness, but with his pace and creativity, he could provide valuable competition for both Neto and Madueke. Chelsea’s attacking depth is becoming a strong suit, and manager Enzo Maresca will have a selection headache on his hands as he looks to settle on his best-attacking setup for the remainder of the season.
With Chelsea in a strong position heading into the latter stages of the season, much of their success will depend on how well their new signings integrate into the squad. Pedro Neto’s impact has been significant, and his performance against Arsenal only reinforces his importance to the team. If he continues to deliver at this level, Chelsea could be on track for a highly successful campaign, with the winger potentially playing a key role in their push for top honours.
