Why Pedro Neto launched furious outburst at Enzo Fernandez moments before Chelsea injury

Chelsea took the spoils over bitter rivals Tottenham on Thursday evening, to inflict more misery on Ange Postecoglou. Yet eagle-eyed Blues fans may have noticed that not all seemed quite content within the home ranks.

Pedro Neto, who has been playing as a makeshift striker for the past two months, showed his frustration during the game. His return to his preferred wing position, thanks to the return of Nicolas Jackson, was one of Chelsea's many advantages.

The Portuguese attacker, who has been a beacon of hope in recent games, tried to bring the same energy to this match.

When Chelsea didn't have the ball, Neto pressed the Tottenham backline, ready to regain possession. He closed in on the centre circle to intercept and block Dominic Solanke's pass, aiming to redirect play towards the right.

This strategy nearly paid off twice within two minutes. As Spurs settled, Neto remained vigilant, quickly moving to the side to intercept passes.

On both occasions, the ball narrowly missed his outstretched boot but still reached its intended target.

Neto's reaction was one of visible frustration. He jumped up, throwing his hands in the air in anger.

He looked towards Fernandez, complaining further as Tottenham easily advanced through the thirds, and vented his frustration into the night sky.

Neto was visibly frustrated the second time this occurred, showing his exasperation before reluctantly returning to his defensive position.

The stage was set for a thrilling encounter under the floodlights at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea welcomed their favourite visitors, Tottenham. Despite the Blues sitting fourth in the table, there was an air of uncertainty surrounding both teams.

Tottenham arrived with their sights set on the upcoming Europa League quarter-final first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt, while Chelsea were still smarting from their recent defeat to north London rivals. The match was a clash between two sides grappling with self-doubt and internal strife.

Spurs' season could be salvaged by success in Europe, whereas Chelsea's could only be enhanced by an anticipated Conference League victory. This tension was palpable throughout the game.

Chelsea, eager to bounce back, started strongly, buoyed by the return of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer, with Noni Madueke waiting in the wings. They could have taken the lead within the first minute, but as the half progressed, anxiety began to creep into the stadium.

Tottenham, offering little resistance, could hardly grumble when Fernandez nodded home the opening - and ultimately winning - goal. A disallowed goal apiece in a more spirited second half added some much-needed spark to the proceedings.

This match was always going to be more crucial for Chelsea's league ambitions and top five aspirations than for Tottenham, and it showed. They were fighting for pride, bragging rights, and a chance to break their dismal record in this fixture.

In the end, it was the team that started in fourth place that triumphed. This outcome aligns with logic, history, and the league standings, but football is seldom straightforward.

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