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(Credit: Imago/Getty Images)
Jack Heath
Sat 27 September 2025 20:39, UK
Chelsea fans were infuriated by their side’s performance as they were defeated 3-1 by Brighton.
Ex-refs chief Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that match officials missed a clear penalty for a foul by Malo Gusto on Yankuba Minteh in the Blues embarrassing loss.
Minteh exploited Marc Cucurella in the victory and was instrumental in the Seagulls dominating the Blues after Trevoh Chalobah got sent off.
The absence of Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana against Brighton was felt as his side were torn apart by Fabian Hurzeler’s attack.
Credit: Imago
Despite the plethora of wide options at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, the inconsistent Pedro Neto was deployed on the left-hand side.
He ended up having little influence on the match as Stamford Bridge were embarrassed by their side’s shameful display.
The Portuguese failed to capture the imagination of the Blues faithful with one fan stating: “Nobody is talking about how selfish Pedro Neto was in the first half” with another adding: “Pedro Neto is just useless.”
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The former Wolves man was also further criticised as one Chelsea supporter said: “Disappointed in some of Pedro Neto’s decision too.” with another stating the exit of Noni Madueke is to blame: “Pedro Neto has been playing with no sense, he has no competitor.”
Chelsea fans may be fearing for the worse with the Portuguese’s performance when taking a closer inspection at his pass map as shown by Football Insider’s new statistics partner Opta.
Whilst the Blues winger completed 94 per cent of his 17 passes, the vast majority were sideways which show his lack of adventure.
This could be a bi-product of Maresca’s methodic but often ambling build-up play which has reduced Neto’s dynamism.
When at the Molineux, the 25-year-old was characterised for his pace and directness when attacking full-backs.
This appears to have been completely coached out of him based on his damning performance against the Seagulls and questions will be asked of the Italian manager’s tactics.