
Pedro Neto appeared to send a message to Chelsea fans after scoring the equalizer in the Blues' 2-1 win over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
The Portuguese winger brought Enzo Maresca’s side level in the 64th minute, canceling out Jarrod Bowen’s opener just 12 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
An own goal from Hammers defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka then secured all three points for Chelsea, lifting them back into fourth place in the Premier League.
Neto’s goal was only his second in 21 top-flight appearances this season, and his celebration featured a hand gesture that seemed directed at sections of the club’s fanbase who have been critical of his performances this season.
Asked about the celebration after the game, Neto told Sky Sports: "We are a big club. When you win you are the best and when you lose you are the worst so it is about working and being consistent and showing what we can do."
"To win trophies, you have to know how to suffer," he said. "We are here to suffer and do our best and to finish in the top places."
It's not just Chelsea fans who have been critical of Neto this season – the Portuguese winger has also been his own harshest critic.
In a recent interview with Chelsea's official website, the 24-year-old, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £51.3 million summer move, admitted he expects more from himself.
"I want to do better, to be honest," he reflected. "I know I can do much better. I’ve had good moments during the season, but I know I can do much better. I’m working on it."
"The goal is to do my best, improve, and reach my level," he added. "That is my goal. I have to finish in the best way."
Chelsea still have a lot of work to do
Everything Chelsea says...
While Chelsea secured all three points on Monday, their performance was anything but convincing.
Levi Colwill's costly mistake gifted Bowen the opener, while Nicolas Jackson endured another frustrating outing, extending his goal drought to eight Premier League matches.
Noni Madueke also struggled to make an impact before being replaced by Christopher Nkunku on the hour mark.
The Blues still seem far removed from the side that was challenging Liverpool for top spot in December. With Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa up next, they will need to improve significantly to take anything from those fixtures.
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