Chelsea managed to pick up a point against Manchester City after drawing 1-1 with them at the Etihad on Sunday.
Calum McFarlane’s men were heading for defeat until Enzo Fernandez equalised in stoppage time, giving the team something to take back to Stamford Bridge.
Gary Neville was impressed with Liam Delap, who was a second-half substitute, replacing Joao Pedro after the hour mark.
Liam Delap has made a real impact off the bench!
Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League
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However, he has been very critical of one of Delap’s Chelsea teammates after his display against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea reacts after missing
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Gary Neville makes very interesting Eden Hazard and Pedro Neto comparison
Neville can see some similarities between Pedro Neto and Chelsea legend Eden Hazard. Even so, the Manchester United icon does not think that he will ever get to the Belgian’s level.
Speaking about Neto on The Gary Neville Podcast, he said: “He’s a smidgin away from being an Eden Hazard, but he’s never going to be an Eden Hazard because he hasn’t got that sort of… Eden Hazard had that sort of beautiful sort of glide about him, but he was also a killer and you’ve got to be a killer in those positions and Neto’s not.”
During his time at Chelsea, Hazard certainly was efficient in front of goal. In total, the former winger scored 110 goals in 352 appearances.
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If the Blues had that kind of firepower right now, they would be sitting comfortably in the top four.
Neto, Estevao Willian, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are all talented wingers, but they are not in the same league as Hazard.
Eden Hazard celebrates goal during Manchester City v Chelsea
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Pedro Neto has still been one of Chelsea’s best players this season
Neto’s performance against City was far from being his best in a Chelsea shirt. He was frustrating to watch at the Etihad.
Following one chance that the winger missed, Enzo Fernandez was visibly annoyed, throwing his arms in the air.
Looking at the season as a whole, though, Neto has certainly been one of Chelsea’s better performers. In the Premier League, he has probably been their best attacker.
Neto has been involved in eight goals in total. Only Joao Pedro has recorded more goal contributions in Chelsea’s squad (nine). If the 25-year-old can improve his end product, that is some wide attacker the Blues could have on their hands.
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