Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League - Source: Getty
Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League - Source: Getty
Former Chelsea star Chris Sutton has slammed Pedro Neto following his red card against Arsenal in the Premier League. The Portuguese winger got two bookings in less than four minutes and was given the marching orders by the referee.
Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Sutton claimed that Neto let down the Chelsea side at the Emirates on Sunday, March 1. He added that the winger has now made it harder for Liam Rosenior as the Blues chase a place in the Premier League top five this season. He said (via Tribal Football):
"From Chelsea’s point of view, Pedro Neto let them down badly. What an idiot getting sent off like that. His comments reflect a growing frustration among the Stamford Bridge faithful, as the club has now seen nine players sent off across all competitions this season. This poor disciplinary record continues to hamper Rosenior’s attempts to secure a top-four finish and progress further in European competition.”
Neto picked up a booking for dissent soon after Jurrien Timber scored for Arsenal in the 66th minute. He picked up his second booking four minutes later, after bringing down Gabriel Martinelli, while Arsenal were trying to counter in the game.
Chelsea have a disciplinary issue, admits Liam Rosenior after Arsenal red
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has admitted that his side has a disciplinary issue and it was not just an issue with Pedro Neto. He added that the squad needs to make better decisions in defence and also in crucial moments that lead to red cards. He said (via Football London):
"It's disappointing for Pedro because he's a very, very good player and we want him on the pitch. Up to that moment, he was actually causing Arsenal so many problems. It's a frustrating thing for us, not just today, but we're going to miss him against Aston Villa. But it's not just Pedro.
"I think as a group, me as the leader as well, we have to take more accountability for some of the decision-making we're having in terms of our discipline and in terms of the moments of the goals, not just today, the goals we conceded. Some of them are just not acceptable at this level."
Chelsea have been given seven red cards in the Premier League this season, with two more in the UEFA Champions League. They were without Wesley Fofana for the Arsenal clash after he was sent off last weekend against Burnley.
The Blues travel to face Aston Villa on Wednesday, March 4.