Chelsea did a professional job yesterday in Europe to win away at Astana, which extends their winning run to six consecutive victories across all competitions.
The Blues completed a 16-hour round trip to Kazakhstan this week as part of the Conference League group stages. Thankfully, the travel was rewarded with a 3-1 success over Astana on Thursday afternoon.
Marc Guiu scored twice for the visitors inside the opening 20 minutes, plus Renato Veiga added a third with his headed goal from a corner.
Chelsea’s 20-man squad versus Astana included a large amount of youngsters. In fact, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca handed out senior debuts to Ato Ampah, Shim Mheuka and Kiano Dyer by giving them cameos from the bench.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea is challenged by Yan Vorogovskiy of Astana during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Astana...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Axel Disasi makes hilarious dig at Pedro Neto
Chelsea’s side that beat Astana still included a few senior faces, including both Axel Disasi and Pedro Neto.
Neto, who’s suspended for Sunday’s Premier League match versus Brentford, started on the right wing during Thursday’s Conference League tie. He picked up an assist before being substituted off at half-time.
There’s certainly a feel-good mood around the Chelsea camp right now with all these positive results, and the spirit with the players seems high.
Neto uploaded an Instagram post after Chelsea’s win against Astana in freezing conditions. In the comment section, Blues teammate Disasi made a joking dig about the Portuguese attacker failing to score.
Axel Disasi makes joking dig at Pedro Neto on Instagram
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Chelsea forward Neto looked a class above against Astana in his eye-catching 45-minute performance, although he may be disappointed not to get on the scoresheet.
The 24-year-old star kept ticking over with some minutes in midweek because he’s unavailable to face Brentford. However, it feels like he’s done enough in recent weeks to play his way into the Blues’ best XI.
Maresca said Neto was “fantastic” against Tottenham in last weekend’s Premier League game. Thankfully, Noni Madueke is a quality alternative to start on the right wing against Brentford in a couple of days time.
Paul Merson right about Pedro Neto
Speaking back in August, Paul Merson named Neto to Chelsea as one of the Premier League’s best summer transfers.
It’s taken a little bit of time for the left-footed attacker to get up to full speed, but he’s now proving Merson’s claim right by adding so much quality to the Chelsea team.
In 18 appearances across all competitions this season, Neto has three goals and four assists.
His all-round performances, both offensively and defensively, looks spot on. Can he just add a few extra goals and assists to really elevate himself, though?
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