Chelsea drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in a Premier League match last Sunday, November 10. The draw left the Blues in the third position with 19 points from 11 matches. Arsenal also have the same number of points, but Chelsea have a superior goal-difference.
The Blues are now nine points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool. Meanwhile, the Gunners have gotten only five points from their last five Premier League matches, which has severely dented their chances of a title-triumph.
Neto excelled for Chelsea against Arsenal
Neto started on the left flank for Chelsea against Arsenal and was quite impressive throughout the match. He delivered quite a few crosses from the left and had a good battle with Ben White, Arsenal’s right-back.
However, as he switched flanks in the second half after Mykhailo Mudryk replaced Noni Madueke, Neto’s ability to take shots with his stronger left foot came to the fore. He cut in from the right and then let go a powerful shot with his left foot to equalize for the Blues. Prior to the goal, they did not have enough shots taken at the goal to trouble David Raya.
The 24-year-old Portuguese winger now has two goals and two assists from 12 matches this season and seems to have done enough to cement his place in the starting XI. With the somewhat indifferent form of Jadon Sancho prevailing and Mudryk yet to find his groove for the club, Neto is the best choice for the left winger’s position for Enzo Maresca’s men.
Neto is one of the fastest wingers in Premier League currently and has the ability to hit the ball really well. His dribbling and crossing make him one of the most dangerous players to have on the flanks.
However, the Blues defence remained something of a concern, as it looked vulnerable against crosses delivered from either flank. Martin Ødegaard, making a comeback from an injury, tormented Marc Cucurella through the inside-right channel and also delivered the cross for Arsenal’s goal.
Chelsea look good enough for a top-four finish
The Royal Blues look good for a top-four finish this season. At the moment, it will not be an exaggeration to state that Maresca’s men are the most improved team in Premier League compared to last season. Cole Palmer and teammates have certainly raised their collective levels significantly.
However, the Blues cannot afford to be complacent either and will have to continue their good run. They were somewhat unlucky to lose to Liverpool last month and should believe that they are good enough to beat any team in England at the moment.
The Blues have a couple of potentially tough matches coming up in the Premier League within the next month or so. They will have to play against Aston and Tottenham Hotspur during the said period besides taking on Leicester City and Southampton.
Maresca’s men should try to collect as many points before Christmas as possible to keep the pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City. It will not be easy task by any means to topple the top two teams, but the Blues can make a serious attempt of doing so.