(Photo Credit: Richard Sellers/Sports Photo/All Star/Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
BBC pundit Chris Sutton has launched a scathing attack on Chelsea winger Pedro Neto. The Portugal international has been branded an “idiot” after receiving a costly red card in the London derby against Arsenal.
NEto’s sending off proved to be a turning point at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners secured a vital 2-1 win to strengthen their title credentials.
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Chris Sutton slams Pedro Neto
The incident happened in the second half, just after Julian Timber headed Arsenal into the game to put them 2-1 up.
Neto was booked for dissent immediately after the goal, but lost his cool just three minutes later.
The winger made a reckless challenge on Gabriel Martinelli on the touchline, leaving referee Darren England with no choice but to hand out a second yellow card.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sutton was free to assess Chelsea’s star player’s lack of discipline.
“From Chelsea’s point of view, Pedro Neto has let them down badly. How stupid to be sent off like that.
“It’s stupid to jump in on Martinelli like that when the team is chasing the game, when he’s already gotten a yellow card for verbal abuse. It’s unintelligent.
“He is now a senior player and has effectively destroyed any chance of a comeback for his teammates.”
Arsenal win big as title battle intensifies
This victory means a lot for Mikel Arteta’s side. 5 point lead They defeated Manchester City and took the lead in the Premier League.
Arsenal took the lead with a goal from William Saliba, before equalizing just before half-time with an own goal from Pierro Hincapie.
But the Gunners’ set-piece mastery was once again demonstrated in the 66th minute when Timber rose highest to meet Declan Rice’s corner.
With this win, Arsenal scored their 16th goal from a corner kick this season, equaling the Premier League record.
For Chelsea, the loss ended a six-game unbeaten run under manager Liam Rosenior, leaving them sixth in the table and facing a tough battle to qualify for the Champions League.
