I have said this multiple times but this is the final straw. Their performance during yesterday’s match was the last straw. He has only been a disappointment” – This is according to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba as he claims that The manager needs to immediately bench the Chelsea player who failed to win any of their challenges, despite having a decent overall performance rating of 4 out of 10.

It seems unlikely that Neto will hold onto his spot on the right flank for the next game. Furthermore, even his place on the left side could be at risk. This is largely due to Jadon Sancho’s outstanding debut, where he delivered a performance worthy of the “man of the match” award. Sancho’s immediate success has put him in prime position to make a substantial impact when Chelsea faces off at Stamford Bridge. As a result, Neto may find himself sidelined, with Sancho potentially stepping into the starting lineup in his place.

Chelsea’s ongoing development under new manager Enzo Maresca is becoming increasingly evident. While their season began with a predictable loss to the reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, Chelsea bounced back with a vengeance. Their following match resulted in a dominant 6-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, a performance that highlighted the team’s attacking prowess. Players like Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer led the charge against Wolves, displaying the kind of promise that fans had hoped to see. Despite this victory, their momentum took a hit when Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw against a struggling Crystal Palace. The result was disappointing, especially considering Chelsea’s upward trajectory after the Wolves match. It interrupted the positive trend that had been forming under Maresca’s leadership.

Nonetheless, Chelsea managed to get back on track with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bournemouth, in a Saturday evening clash that was decided late in the game. The match wasn’t without its struggles, but Chelsea found a way to secure the victory, thanks in large part to goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Sanchez had his best game of the season, making a critical penalty save that kept Chelsea in contention. This pivotal moment set the stage for Christopher Nkunku’s late winner, sealing the three points for the Blues.

Interestingly, Nkunku, who had started in the season opener against Manchester City, found himself relegated to the bench in recent league matches. This was likely due to the fierce competition for attacking roles under Maresca’s management. However, Nkunku’s impactful contribution off the bench might see him restored to the starting lineup, especially given the lackluster performances from some of his teammates in the Bournemouth game.

One player who notably struggled was Axel Disasi. The French defender was one of the poorest performers on the field, struggling to find his rhythm. Maresca has had to juggle defensive responsibilities, particularly in the absence of captain Reece James, who missed the early part of the season due to injury. This, combined with the arrival of new signings like Tosin Adarabioyo and Renato Veiga, has added depth to the squad, but it has also presented Maresca with the challenge of finding the right balance in defense.

In the match against Bournemouth, Maresca made a tactical decision to play Veiga in midfield while shifting Disasi, typically a central defender, to right-back to cover for the absent James and Malo Gusto. Unfortunately, this experiment didn’t pay off. Disasi struggled in the unfamiliar position, and his performance was underwhelming. He was substituted after just 61 minutes, having failed to win any of his individual duels, lost possession multiple times, and contributed little going forward.

Similarly, Pedro Neto had a difficult outing, and like Disasi, his place in the team may be at risk. Chelsea’s attacking lineup is filled with talent, meaning any player underperforming is at constant risk of being replaced. Neto’s recent performances have been far from inspiring, and during the Bournemouth game, his lack of impact was glaring. He was replaced at halftime by Sancho, who had just recently joined Chelsea before the international break. Sancho’s debut was in stark contrast to Neto’s performance, as he provided the assist for Nkunku’s match-winning goal and made a lasting impression.

Neto’s statistics from the game were disappointing. He managed a pass completion rate of just 67%, failed to complete any dribbles, and didn’t contribute significantly to Chelsea’s attacking play. His subdued presence on the field was reflected in his low match rating, with critics describing his performance as “invisible.” On the other hand, Sancho, coming off the bench, made an immediate impact, revitalizing Chelsea’s attack and showing why he could soon be a regular starter under Maresca.

Neto’s struggles since his summer move to Chelsea have been a point of concern. While he showed glimpses of promise in the emphatic win over Wolves, he hasn’t been able to establish himself as a key player in Maresca’s system. To complicate matters, Neto has primarily been played out of position on the left wing, while his preferred role is on the right. However, with players like Madueke and Palmer excelling on the right flank, Neto faces stiff competition and may struggle to break into the lineup in his preferred position.

As Chelsea prepares for their next match, Neto’s starting position looks increasingly precarious. With Sancho’s stellar debut and the wealth of attacking options available, Neto will need to drastically improve if he hopes to regain his place in the squad. As it stands, Sancho is poised to make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge, likely pushing Neto out of the starting eleven for the foreseeable future.
It sounds like Jadon Sancho’s impressive debut performance is putting him in a strong position to start over Pedro Neto for Chelsea’s next game. Sancho’s contribution, especially with his assist in the win against Bournemouth, has certainly raised his stock within the squad.

Neto’s recent struggles, including his low impact against Bournemouth and his underwhelming statistics, have cast doubt on his place in the starting lineup. His difficulties in adapting to a role on the left wing and the competition from players like Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer on the right flank have further complicated his situation.

Chelsea’s ongoing adjustments under Enzo Maresca, especially with new signings and tactical experiments, continue to influence player selections. Given Sancho’s strong showing and the need for effective attacking options, Neto might indeed find himself on the bench as Chelsea faces their next challenge at Stamford Bridge.