Chelsea fans got to see the very best of Joao Pedro against Napoli, as his two goals booked a place in the Champions League Round of 16.
It was a topsy-turvy encounter that saw both teams take the lead, but it was Chelsea who came out on top in the end after Liam Rosenior got the substitutions bang on.
Rosenior’s trial with Wesley Fofana didn’t pay off, but he openly admitted after the game that he was chasing an aggressive start with a top-eight place up for grabs.
Joao Pedro was Chelsea’s player of the match, but who was the best supporting act?
Napoli 2-3 Chelsea
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And Romelu Lukaku’s reunion with Chelsea almost ended in heartbreak for the Blues, as his late chance was saved brilliantly by Robert Sanchez.
But Joao Pedro was the man who stole the headlines, and rightly so.
Cole Palmer‘s head must have been all over the place heading into this one after suffering with a niggle and all the rumours about wanting to leave Chelsea.
The Englishman did his talking on the pitch after being substituted on by Rosenior, providing the assist for both of Joao Pedro’s goals.
And it didn’t go unnoticed by the Italian media either, as Corriere dello Sport had this to say.
‘*In the second half, Rosenior’s changes made a difference: Palmer came on, and the game changed thanks to the English talent, who twice sent Joao Pedro, man of the match, on goal, thanks to the brace that effectively knocked out Napoli and eliminated them from the Champions League.*‘
What did you make of Liam Rosenior’s ‘Lone CB’ experiment?😬
Surely changes are needed!
SSC Napoli v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
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Cole Palmer is slowly regaining his powers at Chelsea
It’s been a really difficult time for Cole Palmer over the last few weeks, missing out on several squads due to strains and little niggles that had fans fearing the worst.
But if his performance against Napoli is anything to go by, then it’s exciting times.
Two assists from just 34 touches after coming on at half-time. Despite recovering from a thigh injury, he managed a match-high three chances created and maintained an impressive 89% passing accuracy, completing 24 of his 27 passes.
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