“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.

Pedro Neto’s position in the starting lineup is now in serious jeopardy after a disappointing performance that saw him criticized for his lack of presence on the field. Alex Richards of The Mirror described Neto as “invisible,” and his display did little to contradict that description. His contribution was so minimal that he was substituted at halftime to make room for Jadon Sancho, a recent addition to the team just before the international break. Sancho’s introduction provided an immediate boost to the side, injecting much-needed energy and creativity that starkly contrasted with Neto’s muted impact.

The decision to substitute Neto early can largely be attributed to his underwhelming performance in the first half. Statistically, he struggled to make a significant contribution. His passing accuracy was a mere 67%, and he created only one key pass during his time on the field. Even more telling was his inability to complete a single dribble, further underscoring his lack of influence on the game. These numbers reflect a player who is not only out of form but also appears to be struggling with the tactical demands placed on him by the team.

The shift in the team’s dynamic after Sancho’s introduction was dramatic. Sancho, keen to make an impression in his debut, did just that, immediately finding his rhythm and playing a crucial role in the match’s pivotal moment by assisting Nkunku’s winning goal. His presence on the field was transformative, and it highlighted the stark difference between the two wingers. While Neto faded into obscurity, Sancho seized the opportunity to show why the club had brought him in so late in the transfer window.

The post-match evaluations painted a clear picture of the disparity between their performances. Neto received a low rating of 4 out of 10 from GOAL, with his first-half display being described as “anonymous,” a reflection of his limited involvement in the game. His inability to impose himself in the attacking third has led to increased scrutiny over his role in the team, and the pressure on him to improve has mounted since Sancho’s energetic debut.

Despite having managed an assist in an earlier high-scoring victory against Wolves, Neto’s performances overall have been underwhelming since his summer move from the Midlands. A potential reason for his struggles could be his positioning. He has not been played in his favored role on the right wing, which might explain the dip in his usual performance levels. However, it remains essential for him to adapt to his new responsibilities and find ways to be more effective, regardless of where he is positioned on the field.

The road ahead for Neto is a difficult one, as he faces stiff competition to regain his place in the starting eleven. Both Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer have been preferred in the right-sided attacking role in recent matches, and their consistent form has made it tough for Neto to force his way back into the team. His challenge lies not only in improving his performances but also in convincing the manager that he deserves another chance in his preferred role, where he has historically performed best.

Looking ahead to future matches, it seems unlikely that Neto will start on the right wing. In fact, even his place on the left side is under threat, especially in light of Sancho’s outstanding debut performance, which earned him the man of the match award. Sancho’s immediate impact at Stamford Bridge has boosted his confidence, and it now appears that he is poised to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup, possibly at Neto’s expense.

For Neto, the path forward is clear but challenging. He must rediscover the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents. If he fails to do so, the increased competition for attacking positions at the club could see him fall further down the pecking order. The arrival of Sancho has only heightened the pressure, and Neto will need to step up and prove himself if he is to remain an important part of the team moving forward.