Neto scored, Chelsea beat Burnley 2-0 and moved up to second place in the table.

Chelsea beat Burnley 2-0 after the international break thanks to goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez, securing their seventh Premier League win of the season and moving up to second place. With a busy week ahead of Champions League matches against Barcelona and Arsenal next weekend, this was an ideal start for Enzo Maresca's side.

The crucial moment

The opening goal came when Pedro Neto positioned himself perfectly to head home a cross from Jamie Gittens. It was a finish that showcased the Portuguese winger's decisiveness and spatial awareness, and brought his total Premier League goals this season to four.

Neto's form wasn't just about goals. According to Goal, he "almost assisted Gittens with a tricky cross before scoring himself with a superb header. He was also very close to a second goal after the break, but the ball hit the post."

Developments and observations

In the 2-0 victory, BongDa.Com.Vn rated Neto 8/10, the second highest score on the field, only behind Enzo Fernandez. Neto's quiet but effective performance stood out among his charismatic teammates such as Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez himself.

Similarities with William

Neto is compared to Willian in common: technique, energy, and a high work rate. Manager Frank Lampard said of Willian in 2020: “He always trains hard, works seriously every week. We see that on the pitch: his ability to create chances, his stamina off the ball. Chelsea value Willian very much and he has been a great servant to the club.”

Those qualities are being replicated in Neto under Enzo Maresca. Last month, the Italian coach remarked: “He is a top-class player, humble and incredibly hard-working. He is very important to us, but if you let your guard down even a little, this league will punish you.”

Maresca's role in the system

Neto demonstrated his value in both phases of play: his tenacity in defensive support and his sharpness in attacking situations down the wing. His opening goal against Burnley with a header after a precise cross not only reflected his positioning skills but also his ability to handle high-intensity play – something Maresca emphasized.

Impact and upcoming schedule

The 2-0 result puts Chelsea temporarily in second place in the table, providing a morale boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Barcelona and their upcoming match against league leaders Arsenal. In a packed schedule, the consistency of players like Neto can make all the difference. If he maintains his current intensity, as sources suggest, Neto has the potential to make a lasting impact at Stamford Bridge – something Willian did before.