Chelsea picked up their first win of the new season in some style against West Ham on Friday night.
It was an underwhelming start to the 2025/26 campaign last week, drawing 0-0 at home to Crystal Palace, but they just picked up their first three points on the road.
Even though the Blues conceded to an early Lucas Paqueta goal, they responded emphatically to secure a 5-1 victory at the London Stadium.
Cole Palmer felt something in the warm-up, so he was dropped from Chelsea’s matchday squad, but they did still demonstrate their incredible attacking firepower without him. As a result, Enzo Maresca’s side temporarily climb to the top of the Premier League table for a brief period.
Brazilian attackers Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian really stood out for the Blues, which is why we expect them to grab most of the headlines. However, we’ve picked out the underrated teammate whose individual display deserves special recognition.
West Ham United v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Pedro Neto went under the radar against West Ham
Even though there were plenty of great displays in the West Ham victory, Chelsea winger Pedro Neto deserves the spotlight for his contribution.
The 25-year-old winger put in the type of complete performance that highlighted how good he can be.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
As an attacking threat, he really impressed after starting on the left wing. In fact, he was one of five different goalscorers, firing in a strong finish at the back post to make it 2-1 at the time.
Meanwhile, the Portugal international tracked back and carried out his defensive work strongly as always.
Maresca thinks Neto can cover as a No.9 if needed, but we’re used to seeing him play in the wide areas. He started and struggled to do much on the right wing during the opening day against Palace, but he helped to rip West Ham to shreds from the left on Friday evening.
West Ham United v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Pedro Neto statistics vs West Ham
Neto, the 45-touch attacker, ran his socks off for the entire match against West Ham. Even in the closing stages he sprinted up the pitch with the ball at his feet in an attempt to grab a sixth goal.
We’ve taken a look at his individual statistics from the impressive win in the London derby.
Minutes played Touches Goals Total shots Chances created Accurate passes Tackles won Corners Match rating
90 45 1 2 1 20/29 (69%) 1/1 (100%) 3 7.5
Pedro Neto statistics in West Ham vs Chelsea via FOTMOB
At the age of 25, Neto suddenly finds himself as the senior winger in a very young squad. We know he’s capable of delivering quality performances, and the pressure is on him to set the standard for the wide men.
Chelsea are impressed by Neto’s fitness and versatility, which are two key attributes that make him vital to the team. In particular, the engine and work rate he possesses doesn’t get enough credit because he’s a relentless footballer on the pitch.