Chelsea got off to the perfect start to their Club World Cup campaign with a routine 2-0 win over LAFC, with one attacker stealing all the headlines.
Pedro Neto opened the scoring for the Blues in the first half, as they quickly established themselves as the dominant side against their MLS opposition who left former Chelsea man Olivier Giroud on the bench.
The former Wolves man was given the nod over the likes of Tyrique George, and certainly repaid the faith in him by manager Enzo Maresca before the game.
Neto linked up well with Nicolas Jackson for the goal, with Liam Delap and Enzo Fernandez combining to put the finishing touches on the victory in the second half.
Pedro Neto explains celebration dig at LAFC player during Chelsea win
As well taken as the Portuguese star’s goal was, his celebration sparked similar discussion when he seemed to direct kisses towards an opposition player.
He was asked after the game as to whether there was any intention to make a point to one of the LAFC players, with Neto admitting to DAZN that this was the case, however the situation had been sorted at full-time.
He said: “It’s part of the game. I don’t want to speak about it. In the end, we spoke – it’s okay.”
Both sets of players clashed at half-time, with the outlandish celebrations perhaps a catalyst for the confrontations.
Neto proving his worth to Maresca
As the transfer market opens again, a lot of talk is surrounding Chelsea’s pursuit of winger Jamie Gittens, after missing out on him before the first deadline.
Maresca confirmed Chelsea would move for a new winger, however this does not look as if it is going to come at the expense of Neto, who is proving his worth in recent weeks for the club.
There is Saudi Arabian interest in Neto, however Chelsea are not looking to sell after his very strong first season at the club.
If the Blues were to sell one of their current widemen, there is significant interest from other clubs in Noni Madueke, who disappointed in his Club World Cup debut.
