Why Chelsea fans were furious with Pedro Neto just before his 70th minute equaliser against Arsenal

11/10/2024 02:30 PM

Pedro Neto was the hero for Chelsea on Sunday as he secured a point against Arsenal.

The Portugal international popped up in the 70th minute with an excellent strike from long range, cancelling out a goal from Gabriel Martinelli just ten minutes earlier.

It was the Chelsea No.7’s first Premier League goal for the Blues following his £60m move from Wolves back in August.

However, there was a moment which left Chelsea fans enraged at Pedro Neto just before his equaliser.

Chelsea fans livid with Pedro Neto for killing counter-attack

In the 65th minute, Chelsea had a chance to break on Arsenal after clearing a corner from the Gunners.

It was Neto who found himself leading the counter-attack, dribbling forwards with the ball, before strangely turning around and playing a safe pass back to Malo Gusto, drawing groans and jeers from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Perhaps those noises of dissatisfaction motivated the 24-year-old to put things right as soon as he could, as only five minutes later, he smashed a powerful effort beyond David Raya to secure a precious point.

The result moves Chelsea into third, following Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 defeat against Newcastle.

Enzo Maresca must be delighted with £60m deal

Neto – who Paul Merson thinks Arsenal should have signed – is really starting to show his class for Chelsea.

The man born in Viana do Castelo is a tremendous asset for Enzo Maresca to have at his disposal, given the fact he can operate on either flank, or even centrally.

Neto – who Tottenham wanted to sign – started on the left against Arsenal, delivering a wonderful cross which Gusto really ought to have nodded beyond Raya, but after Mykhailo Mudryk replaced Noni Madueke, the Portuguese forward moved onto the right, where he was just as impressive.

The summer arrival from Wolves now has three goals and three assists in all competitions for Chelsea this season – Maresca must be delighted to have such a talent in his squad.