Pedro Neto proved to be the difference-maker for Chelsea with two impressive goals in a hard-fought encounter against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. While the match remained closely contested for long periods, the Portuguese winger’s clinical finishing secured the victory and gave Xabi Alonso another reason to appreciate his importance to the team.
Neto found the net twice with well-placed left-footed finishes, taking his goal tally for the season to four. That is already close to half of the ten goals he scored throughout the 2025/26 campaign, highlighting his growing influence in Chelsea’s attack.
However, Neto offers far more than just goals. Alonso has regularly deployed him on the right side this season, a position that allows him to express himself offensively while also fulfilling important defensive responsibilities. His energy, work rate and tactical discipline have made him a valuable option in both phases of the game.
Alonso was full of praise for the versatile attacker, explaining that his ability to perform in several positions makes him particularly valuable to the team.
“You can call him whatever – winger, wing-back, attacker, defender – because he can do many things,” Alonso said.
The Chelsea manager highlighted Neto’s pace, creativity, competitive spirit and ability to trouble defenders in one-on-one situations. He also praised the forward’s growing understanding with his teammates, particularly João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Josh Acheampong.
According to Alonso, Neto remains a constant threat whenever he gets close to the action, whether he is taking on a full-back, operating along the attacking line or finding space between the opposition’s defensive lines.
His ability to connect with those around him has also helped Chelsea become more unpredictable in the final third.
While Neto stole the spotlight against Everton, Chelsea’s other attacking stars also earned praise for their contributions. Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers have attracted plenty of attention this season, but none of the trio managed to score or register an assist in Saturday’s encounter.
That did not diminish their importance to the performance. Alonso was particularly pleased with their work rate, movement and willingness to put the team first. Rogers contributed from the wing, while Palmer and João Pedro worked centrally to help Chelsea maintain their attacking threat.
“For me, they played a fantastic game,” Alonso said. “They worked really hard. They were helping the team, Morgan on the wing, Cole and João in the middle. We need that to win as a team, so many positives from the game.”
The result offered another encouraging sign for Alonso as he continues to build a Chelsea side capable of competing consistently. Neto’s goals demonstrated his finishing ability, but his all-round contribution also underlined why he has become such an important part of the manager’s plans.
With players like Palmer, João Pedro and Rogers contributing beyond the goals and assists column, Chelsea can draw confidence from the collective strength of their attack. And if Neto continues to combine his defensive work with such clinical finishing, his influence could become even more significant as the season progresses.