Josh Acheampong’s first Chelsea goal helped him earn a place in the Premier League Team of the Week, with him joining one of his teammates in the XI.
Acheampong was given a standing ovation by Blues fans when he was replaced late on against Nottingham Forest, as the youngster continued to show his development to being ready to start for the club.
Enzo Maresca praised Acheampong after the game, and while he starred at the back he also cropped up with the important goal to break the deadlock at the City Ground.
His header was built on by goals by Pedro Neto and Reece James that signalled the end of Ange Postecoglou’s time at Nottingham Forest. He has now been replaced by Sean Dyche.
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Josh Acheampong and Pedro Neto named in Premier League Team of the Week
The result saw Chelsea enter the top five, leapfrogging rivals Tottenham without the help of the injured Cole Palmer.
Neto has stepped up in the star attacker’s absence, and WhoScored named the Portugal star in their Premier League Team of the Week for gameweek eight.
The 9.19 rating Neto received was only topped by Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose hat-trick helped rescue a point for Crystal Palace against Bournemouth.
The winger has been keeping promising youngster Estevao Willian to feature from the bench, after making himself undroppable from Maresca’s starting side.
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto dribbling with the ball
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Chelsea made right call with Neto in the summer
As is the case for the majority of the Chelsea squad, there was transfer interest in the Portugal international over the summer transfer window.
Saudi Arabian clubs were keen on Neto, however the Blues stood firm and decided to build with him in mind, rather than former wingers Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho.
He has been starting on the right of attack for now, but if Estevao forces himself into that role then Neto could see himself move across to the left wing.
His assist for Acheampong showed his ability to cross on his left foot is very strong, and definitely an asset Chelsea may look to get more out of when Liam Delap is fit and can regularly be on the end of those deliveries again.