Alan Shearer names ‘amazing’ Chelsea man as their best player in win vs Fulham, ‘the only threat’

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Chelsea regained their place in the top five of the Premier League with a timely win away from home against local rivals Fulham.

The Blues won 2-1 thanks to two late goals across West London, granting them their first win on the road of 2025 as they look to save their chances of finishing in the Champions League places for next season.

There was real danger of things turning ugly with the travelling supporters at Craven Cottage, who were chanting the name of Frank Lampard in protest to what they were seeing.

Enzo Maresca can take credit for the turnaround in the second half, with a number of his changes making an impact. This included the introduction of Tyrique George, who scored his first goal in the Premier League to kick off their fightback.

Alan Shearer names Pedro Neto as Chelsea’s best player vs Fulham

The introduction of Jadon Sancho at half-time saw Pedro Neto move to the opposite wing, with the Portugal international being the man who stepped up with the winning goal in added time.

Neto was one of the only attackers to play for 90 minutes, and while Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson’s woes continue in front of goal, the winger starred at Craven Cottage.

Alan Shearer praised Neto after the game, stating that he was the only real threat Chelsea had in their win, whilst also waxing lyrical about his last-minute goal.

He said on Match of the Day 2: “And Neto, who was probably their best player, he was the only threat he was pushing. If you thought that was a good finish from Geroge, then have a look at that. The touch, the swivel and the power he gets on it. The keeper’s got no chance.”

The former Wolves man has been back on the wings of late, after an impressive stint holding down the fort up front. Reece James described Neto as ‘amazing’ for the job he was doing for the team out of position.

Enzo Maresca’s post-game comments on Pedro Neto

Despite George pushing for a start and Sancho enjoying some strong performances of late, it was Neto who showed his class for the 90 minutes against Fulham.

He was praised by his manager, especially after he moved to his preferred right-wing in the second half.

Maresca said after the game: “Pedro’s goal, we all know that Pedro is better in the right side but we also have Noni [Madueke], we have also Jadon [Sancho], so I try to decide game by game but Pedro is doing well since he arrived here.”

Competition is rife now for a place in the starting attack for the Blues ahead of five crucial Premier League games, however Neto made the biggest statement of all to Maresca before their next game against Everton at Stamford Bridge.