Chelsea’s win over Brighton saw plenty of players put in a great display, but one was particularly eye-catching.
The Blues picked up a much-needed three points on Saturday afternoon, started off by a long awaited Cole Palmer goal just 20 minutes into his Stamford Bridge return.
Having assisted the opener, Malo Gusto got a second goal in six games after going almost three years at Chelsea without one.
And it was the architect of his goal who has been singled out for some really impressive play.
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Stephen Warnock glad he’s retired after watching Pedro Neto
Chelsea looked a different side to the one that couldn’t find joy against Bournemouth, Leeds and Atalanta.
A large factor in that improvement was the direct play of Pedro Neto. He was a constant thorn in the side of Vitaliy Mykolenko, and created Gusto’s goal with an aggressive dribble down the right-hand-side.
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock looked at that and had but one thought.
Writing for BBC Sport, he says: “Brilliant, superb. Watching Pedro Neto and I’m so glad I have retired! All round it is a superb goal.”
Pedro Neto takes on Vitaliy Mykolenko during Chelsea vs Everton
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
It was a brilliant bit of play to double the Blues’ lead heading into the break.
If he was still playing, Warnock would have been the one getting ran at. He clearly doesn’t think he would fare much better than Mykolenko.
Pedro Neto looks a different player for Chelsea this season
It’s yet another impressive outing for the Portuguese against Everton.
Neto’s form in front of goal has been brilliant this season. He has already matched his highest-ever goal tally in a Premier League season with five, and we’re only in December.
The arrival of Estevao Willian threatened to jeopardise Neto’s place in the side, but he has responded as all great players should — raising his own level.
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Now, Enzo Maresca has a decision to make every week on the right flank. It’s a great problem to have.
That being said, Neto can also play striker for Chelsea and on the left. If he continues at this rate, he should have multiple avenues into the starting XI.
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