2 hours ago
8
The main talking points from Chelsea's 4-0 win at Hull City on Friday evening with Pedro Neto inspiring the Blues with a hat-trick at the MKM Stadium
When the team sheet dropped an hour before kick-off on Friday evening, many were expecting it to be Estevao Willian in the No.10 role for Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior made seven changes to his Blues side that drew with Leeds United for an FA Cup fourth round tie with Hull City away from home. While Rosenior made wholesale changes, there was more than enough talent for Chelsea to get the job done in Yorkshire.
And so it proved. Though Estevao was operating from the right wing, Alejandro Garnacho was on the other flank and it was actually Pedro Neto used in the central position behind sole striker Liam Delap at the MKM Stadium.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
The early indications were positive. Neto was floating in and around Delap and finding space in some dangerous areas. Chelsea were not struggling to break Hull down and created a number of first-half opportunities, but were finding it a bit more difficult to finish their chances off in Yorkshire.
After Estevao and Delap missed sitters, it took a moment of magic from Neto to get Chelsea on their way in the FA Cup fourth round. Picking up a position he probably wouldn't have been in if he started on the right-hand side, Neto struck into the bottom corner from around 25 yards and it set the tone for a top performance from the Portugal international.
The 25-year-old has been the subject of plenty of online hate in recent weeks. While some criticism of Neto, whose performance levels have deteriorated over the last month or so, has been justified, the abuse he has been getting - in some cases - has been awful.
"No, I'm not aware of it," Rosenior said when asked about the stick Neto has been receiving in recent times. "I don't know why that would be the case because Pedro Neto brings us so many different qualities that you need. For me, he's a world-class player. He's a world-class winger and what I love about him, as talented as he is and as gifted as he is, which he showed today, what he sacrifices for the team at times is top.
"He's going to be really, really important for us for where I think we can get to and what we can achieve for the rest of the season."
On Friday evening, Neto, who has now struck 10 goals in a single season for the first time in his professional career, flourished in a different role. It has perhaps given Rosenior a bit of a selection headache, given he's got over £200million worth of talent in Neto, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer to choose from in the position just behind the striker.
Chelsea now have a whole week to prepare for their next match in what will come as a huge boost for Rosenior. It is unchartered territory for the Blues head coach with this being his first free week to work with his new squad since being appointed last month.
Burnley come to Stamford Bridge next weekend in the Premier League and it will be intriguing to see if Neto keeps his place in the No.10 role. Though it does seem more likely that one of Fernandez or Palmer comes back in for the former Wolves winger.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
English (US) ·