With the transfer window now shut, Liam Rosenior will be focusing on tonight’s clash against Arsenal and the chance to possibly reach the Carabao Cup final.
But Chelsea face a tall order. Having lost the first leg 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, Liam Rosenior takes his side to The Emirates with a win required to peg Arsenal back. A one-goal win takes the game into extra time.
However, there is reason to be hopeful. The first-leg defeat to Arsenal was only Rosenior’s second game in charge and now, this Chelsea side are in much better form with Rosenior winning six of seven matches.
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In the last decade, only twice have a team come from a first-leg Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to win a place in the final. But on both occasions, it was Chelsea. Rosenior needs his key players to stand up.
Why Pedro Neto can be Chelsea’s unlikely hero tonight
Since Rosenior arrived, it is fair to say that Neto has struggled. While many still rate the Portugal star as Chelsea’s best winger, ahead of Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, he has not been his best.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea looks on during the warm up ahead of the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Chelsea
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Indeed, Neto has only managed two goals and assists in Rosenior’s seven games – an assist in the first leg against Arsenal and a goal in the win over Charlton. Against Pafos, Neto really struggled to produce.
But, tonight, that could change. The £54m star has an impressive record against Arsenal, having faced them nine times in total. Four with Chelsea and five with his former side Wolves, losing only four times.
Indeed, Neto actually won twice in five games against Arsenal while at Wolves, drawing once. Not only that, but Neto has scored two goals against the Gunners and laid on two assists in his nine appearances.
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Neto has a solid record against Arsenal
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Why Pedro Neto is almost nailed on to start vs Chelsea
Liam Rosenior spoke immediately after the West Ham win, to deliver his pre-Arsenal press conference and in his address to reporters, Rosenior confirmed Estevao is being given time to deal with a personal matter.
Even if available, Estevao is unlikely to start. Then, Jamie Gittens is out with a hamstring injury. That leaves Chelsea with two natural wingers in Neto and Garnacho. Of course, Cole Palmer could be used out wide.
But even then, it is easy to imagine that Neto will start on the other flank. The big games require the big players and Neto needs to finally show why he is a key player at Chelsea, and arguably, the best winger.
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