Romeo Lavia, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto of Chelsea
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October was a pretty good month for Chelsea in the Premier League. Xabi Alonso and his side only lost one game.
They were beaten 2-0 by Tottenham Hotspur, which was a bad defeat. However, the Blues picked up wins against Manchester United, Everton and Bournemouth.
Heading into Sunday’s match away at Sunderland, Chelsea sit fourth in the table on 16 points. Pedro Neto helped Alonso’s team to have a strong October, and that has not gone unnoticed.
READ MORE:Joao Pedro replacements ranked after Xabi Alonso delivers worrying news
Pedro Neto and Nicolas Jackson make Opta Analyst and FotMob’s Team of the Month for October
In four games, Neto scored two goals and provided one assist. His form has now seen him win a place in Opta Analyst’s Premier League Team of the Month for October, which is based on FotMob’s player ratings. Neto’s former teammate at Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson, also made the cut.
What is Chelsea's best XI when everyone is fit? Here is our team! – What do you think?
I don't think anyone would question the midfield or forwards based on what we have seen so far this season, but if Estevao does not deliver or track back then Neto gets in. Defence is the main issue and Josh has to play IMO. My doubt is Reece because of his ftness
James might be the best right-back in the world when fit. And he’s our captain. He has to start IMO
The Aston Villa striker has scored three goals in his last two league games. In total, he has scored five goals in eight top-flight appearances.
Joao Pedro has received a lot of praise this season, but Jackson has now matched him for goals in the Premier League. With Pedro out injured, Chelsea could do with Jackson right now.
In his absence, Alonso has used Neto and Morgan Rogers up front, but that has not quite worked. Neto has been at his best playing in the right wing-back position.
It will be interesting to see what happens when Pedro returns. The Brazilian will regain his place in the starting XI, meaning one of Neto or Estevao Willian will have to drop out.
It would be harsh on Neto, who has shown a lot of improvement under Alonso. He is already on three goals for the season. Last term, the 26-year-old only netted five times in 34 appearances.
His goals per 90 right now is 0.40 compared to 0.17 in the previous campaign, according to FotMob. His xG has also gone up, so Neto has improved his goal threat under Alonso.
After Estevao’s impressive performance against United, though, Neto is at risk of losing his place in the side. At some stage, you can easily imagine Alonso going with an attack of Estevao, Pedro, Rogers and Cole Palmer.