Chelsea faces a setback as they prepare for their next Premier League match against Brentford on Sunday, with key winger Pedro Neto unavailable due to suspension.
The Blues secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on December 8, coming from behind to claim all three points in a pulsating London derby. Despite conceding twice in the first 11 minutes, Chelsea displayed remarkable resilience. Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez each netted a goal, while Cole Palmer’s brace from the penalty spot sealed the victory.
The win lifted Chelsea to 31 points from 15 games, solidifying their position as title contenders. They now trail league leaders Liverpool by four points, though Liverpool have played one game fewer after their Merseyside derby was postponed.
Pedro Neto’s Suspension
However, the triumph came at a cost. Pedro Neto received a yellow card in the 85th minute for a foul on Destiny Udogie, marking his fifth booking of the season. According to Premier League rules, accumulating five yellow cards in the first 19 matches triggers a one-game suspension. As a result, the Portuguese winger will miss Chelsea's clash with Brentford at Stamford Bridge.
Neto remains eligible to play in Chelsea’s Conference League game against Astana on Thursday, as domestic suspensions do not carry over to European competitions. In Neto’s absence, Noni Madueke is expected to start, despite manager Enzo Maresca previously criticizing his training standards.
Chelsea’s Discipline Issues
Chelsea’s discipline has been a recurring issue this season. The Blues currently hold the unenviable record for the most yellow cards in the league. Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana have already served one-game bans, while Nicolas Jackson and Robert Sanchez are just one caution away from suspension.
Maresca’s Title Race Stance
Despite their recent success, Maresca has been cautious about labeling Chelsea as title contenders. After the victory over Tottenham, he downplayed expectations, pointing to inconsistencies in performance as a key reason his side is not yet in the race for the Premier League crown.
Chelsea will need to address its discipline and maintain its momentum if it hopes to challenge for the title. The clash against Brentford presents an opportunity to strengthen their position, even without Neto in the lineup.
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