BBC pundit thought ‘excellent’ Chelsea player was so good in Arsenal draw

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Chelsea earned a big point against Arsenal earlier after drawing 1-1 with their London rivals.

After a dull first half, Arsenal found themselves in front in the 60th minute thanks to Gabriel Martinelli. However, 10 minutes later, his goal was cancelled out by Pedro Neto.

Gary Neville wanted to see more from Neto, and the winger gave the Manchester United legend what he wanted with a fantastic strike in the 70th minute.

That point has taken Chelsea to third in the Premier League table, with Arsenal just behind them on goal difference.

• READ MORE: TalkSPORT pundit suggests Chelsea will be even better when their £54m player ‘turns up’

Matthew Upson praises Pedro Neto

Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, who have been Chelsea’s two most dangerous attacking players this season, had a quiet afternoon.

Neto, on the other hand, was quite lively. Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson described his performance as “excellent”.

Commentating on the game for the BBC, Upson said: “Pedro Neto has to be up there as one of the players of the match. He’s been excellent today.”

Andy Townsend was also impressed with Neto after watching him equalise for Chelsea with a brilliant hit.

Pedro Neto’s game against Arsenal in numbers

Neto’s goal is what will be remembered, but the 24-year-old played well overall.

For example, when it came to key passes and accurate crosses, no Chelsea player made more than the Portuguese, according to Sofascore.

Neto also managed to create one big chance, so he really was an attacking threat for Enzo Maresca‘s side.

All in all, it was probably Neto’s best performance in a Chelsea shirt and has perhaps put a bit of pressure on Noni Madueke.

While Neto did start on the left in the London derby, Madueke was taken off and the Portuguese was then moved to the right-hand side.

For Maresca, though, it is good that he has all of these different attacking options. It is also helpful that the Chelsea manager has someone as versatile as Neto.

If Neto can continue to come up with decisive contributions like his one against Arsenal and take some of the pressure off Palmer, then Chelsea could go on to have a very successful season.