Pedro Neto did not score a goal or provide an assist against Newcastle United on Saturday, but he has still been one of Chelsea’s best players this season.
Prior to their 2-2 draw with Newcastle, the Blues beat Cardiff City in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Neto managed to score on the night after coming on from off the bench, his sixth goal of the season.
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Enzo Maresca will be hoping for more of the same when Chelsea face Aston Villa next Saturday, but Neto’s record against the Villans is underwhelming to say the least.
Pedro Neto scores for Chelsea against Cardiff
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Pedro Neto has never scored against Aston Villa
Since arriving in England from Portugal in 2019, Neto has played against Villa 10 times.
The winger has managed to register a couple of assists against them, but he is yet to put the ball into the back of their net.
Pedro Neto’s record vs Aston Villa Total
Games 10
Wins 5
Draws 2
Losses 3
Goals 0
Assists 2
Via Transfermarkt
It is not the kind of record that Chelsea fans will want to see ahead of Villa’s visit to Stamford Bridge.
Thankfully, if Neto does go on to have another quiet game against the Villans, Chelsea have plenty of other options who can hurt Unai Emery’s side.
Cole Palmer is the Blues’ biggest threat on paper, though he is still trying to find top gear after recently returning from injury.
Chelsea’s previous five meetings against Aston Villa
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Chelsea's previous five results vs Aston Villa
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There was one moment during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle where Palmer’s teammates stopped playing after they thought he was fouled. Pat Nevin slammed Chelsea for doing that and not playing until the referee’s whistle.
The retired Scotland international will want to see less of that from Neto, Palmer and the rest of Chelsea when they take on Villa.
Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca should still start Pedro Neto
Ultimately, Neto could end up becoming a bit of a weak link for Chelsea next weekend if he reproduces one of his past performances against Villa.
However, the Portuguese has been in great form this season and has probably been Chelsea’s best attacker.
He is currently the team’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Joao Pedro. Despite his poor record, Maresca should stick with him.
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