Cole Palmer stole the show in Chelsea’s win over Wolves yesterday, scoring a first half hattrick. But there were other outstanding showing from players in Blue.
Joao Pedro kept up his good form leading, the line, the centre backs both did really well dominating defensively, Marc Cucurella had another good game going both ways. Overall, it was a good day out.
Pedro Neto needs to shape up or ship out
Pedro Neto's Fotmob player card.
Pedro Neto’s Fotmob player card.
One player who continues to disappoint, however, is Pedro Neto. Against his old club he was by no means terrible, but he created 0 chances, took 3 shots without hitting the target, succeeded with just 1 of 3 dribbles, and played an insane 8 crosses, with 0 successful.
He’s only in the team right now because the alternatives aren’t good – Estevao doesn’t play on the left, Alejandro Garnacho is out of form and Jamie Gittens is injured. But left wing is the clear weak spot in the team when it’s set up this way, with Palmer drifting right.
We do like what Neto offers in theory – explosive acceleration on the break, powerful running, good disciplined marking and tracking and tactical intelligence. But creatively he’s just not up to it right now.
While Gittens and Garnacho deserve the rest of the season to try and improve and impress, it does seem worryingly like our sporting directors have swung and missed on yet another pair of wingers for this squad.
Something to think about for the summer?
In other news…
Moises Caicedo’s stats from the game were remarkable. We’re not sure we’ve ever seen so many defensive contributions as the midfield dynamo had yesterday.
Robert Sanchez spoke a little about working under Rosenior – the players all seem to be loving it, and the mood at Chelsea is really positive after this string of wins.
More Stories about Pedro Neto
Reece James in action for Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior smug after a huge Champions League win.
Liam Rosenior with his players at full time.