Chelsea faced a setback in their second major test of the season, falling to a 2-1 loss against league leaders Liverpool at Anfield. Despite Nicolas Jackson scoring his first goal against the Reds to equalize at 1-1, the Blues couldn’t sustain the tie, ultimately succumbing to their second defeat of the campaign.
Head coach Enzo Maresca expressed pride in his team’s efforts, particularly considering the absence of several key players. Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella were sidelined due to suspensions, while Reece James and Romeo Lavia made limited appearances as they worked their way back from long-term injuries.
Maresca adopted an aggressive strategy during the match, making three substitutions early in the second half, following Pedro Neto’s halftime introduction in place of Jadon Sancho. This move underlined his willingness to shake up the lineup in pursuit of a better result.
Pedro Neto’s performance stood out, particularly in the second half, earning praise from Chelsea legend Frank Lampard. Speaking to the Premier League’s official platform, Lampard emphasized Neto’s impact, stating, “Pedro Neto came on and made a significant impact. He’s likely earned himself a strong chance of starting the next game. I believe he should.”
Neto’s direct and dynamic style of play added energy to Chelsea’s offense, allowing him to contribute effectively on both flanks. While the Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho had a quieter performance and even felt he deserved a first-half penalty, Neto’s display was more decisive. Lampard now believes the Portuguese winger has proven himself worthy of a starting role in Chelsea’s next match.
Since his high-profile summer transfer, expectations for Neto have been considerable, and his performances have begun to justify the investment. Tony Cascarino has joined the chorus of praise, describing Neto as “fabulous” and highlighting his potential to become a key figure for Chelsea if he remains fit.
As Chelsea prepares for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League fixture, Neto is expected to be included in the starting lineup. While his immediate focus will be on impressing in European competition, securing a consistent starting role in Premier League games remains his ultimate ambition.
With Newcastle United visiting Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Neto is firmly in contention for a spot in the starting eleven, and his recent performances have given Chelsea fans plenty to look forward to.
For Chelsea, the loss to Liverpool serves as a reminder of the challenges they face this season, but the emergence of players like Pedro Neto offers hope for improvement as the campaign progresses.
