Pedro Neto delighted with Chelsea mentality

Entering the action as a second-half substitute, the Portugal international fired home just 12 minutes later to cancel out Jarrod Bowen’s opener for the visitors and turn the volume up inside Stamford Bridge.

It proved the catalyst as 10 minutes later, Cole Palmer fired the eventual winner – albeit thanks to a huge deflection off Aaron Wan-Bissaka – to complete the turnaround and see Enzo Maresca’s Blues storm back into the top four with three points safely secured and bragging rights retained.

For Pedro, having an impact from the bench highlights the need for every member of the Blues squad being ready to help the side and the 24-year-old now wants to see Chelsea build on a big victory over our London rivals.

‘I think in the second half we played really well and we deserved the win,’ our No.7 said when reflecting on the victory.

‘We kept to our plan, remained patient and got the goals to win the game. To be honest, in the end I think we could have scored even more goals to make it a bit more comfortable but it was a fair win and we are really happy.

‘Of course, everyone wants to play but it shows just how important having a squad is, everyone is there to help the team whether you start or come on.

‘I think the subs all played a big part. I managed to get a goal which I’m really happy with and then you had Marc [Guiu], Christo [Nkunku] and Malo [Gusto] playing their part and even Trevoh [Chalobah] defending so well for the final five minutes or so.

‘The manager also says how it is a team game and we all came on in the second half to help the guys, and we’re all so happy to help us get the three points.’

The victory ensured a swift return to winning ways following defeat to Manchester City on the road last time out and with a double-header across league and cup against Brighton on the horizon, Neto wants the Blues to harness this mentality to now go on a winning run.

‘Coming from behind to win is never easy, especially in the Premier League,’ the winger added.

‘But the guys did so well, we came into the game with the personality to win the game and we did just that.

‘We are growing as a team and it’s important we build on this result now. You can’t get comfortable in the Premier League, so we must take this mentality forward and look to improve with each game.’