By the end of the first half in Chelsea’s 2-1 win against West Ham United on Monday, it looked like it was going to be one of those days for the Blues.
Enzo Maresca‘s men dominated possession and had a couple of good chances, but they failed to convert.
Chelsea were then made to pay for their meaningless possession and the opportunities that they missed when Jarrod Bowen scored in the 42nd minute.
Thanks to Pedro Neto and an own goal from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, though, the Blues managed to turn things around and win the game. Neto has described the victory as “important”, while it was also a significant game for him on a personal level.
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Pedro Neto’s equaliser against West Ham his biggest moment since joining Chelsea
Neto’s goal in Chelsea’s victory over West Ham was only his second in the Premier League this season.
His first came against Arsenal and that was also an equaliser. Given the magnitude of that match and Chelsea’s rivalry with the Gunners, many will feel that strike has been his biggest contribution in a blue shirt so far.
But at the time, Chelsea were doing really well in the Premier League. There was room to drop a point back then, especially against a top side like Mikel Arteta’s team.
It is not the same now, though. Chelsea went into their London derby with West Ham with just one win in seven top-flight games. They had to beat Graham Potter’s men, and Neto’s goal helped them to.
Given all of the pressure that was on them, that goal was Neto’s finest moment in a Chelsea jersey since he arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer. Neto has not been happy with his form, but he can be satisfied with his contribution on Monday.
Pedro Neto could replace Noni Madueke
After his success at Wolverhampton Wanderers and with Chelsea paying big money to sign him, many expected Neto to be an automatic starter under Maresca.
However, that has not turned out to be the case, with the Chelsea manager having preferred Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho this season.
Madueke, who does blow hot and cold, could now be in a bit of danger as Neto springs to life.
The 22-year-old scored in both of Chelsea’s two fixtures before their victory against West Ham, but Maresca has called him out at times in the current campaign.
When Maresca discussed Madueke after one match back in December, he said: “The moment he starts to score or assist and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit.”
If Neto can continue to make an impact on the right, then he could end up taking the England international’s spot in the team.
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