“I like to step up in these kind of moments” - Portugal’s Neto stars for Chelsea in 3-0 win at Forest [video] | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea

Portugal international winger Pedro Neto was the key man as Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

After a goalless first half, Neto was the instigator in Chelsea making a flying start to the second half. First, the ex-Braga man burst down the left and crossed for Josh Acheampong to head home(49’) before Neto then added to the advantage (52’) with a free-kick from twenty yards. Captain Reece James rounded off the scoring with a finish inside the box following a corner.

Neto has established himself as a firm favourite under Blues manager Enzo Maresca, starting every match in the Premier League and the Champions League so far this season. After the match, the Seleção man was asked by English football legend Glenn Hoddle which side of the field he prefers, having started on the right wing but ventured to the left side in order to create the first goal.

“I feel comfortable to play both sides. If you ask me if I have a favourite side I will not lie: I will say the right side is where I prefer to play the most. But as I say I like to play both sides to help the team. I already played as a striker. If I have to play right-back, left-back….

"I thought in the beginning of the game we started well, but after that it was a little bit difficult for us. As always, I like to step up in these kinds of moments. I always try to help the team as much as I can. In the second half, they couldn’t come with the same energy.

"After the international break the last month, we didn't start well. We didn't win the three games that we had. It was really important to start this way, so we’re really happy with that. We needed to change some things and be more aggressive and in the second half we kept more of the ball score three goals, and we are really happy."

On his free-kick, Neto added: “Me and Reese [James] spoke about that. I asked if I should go the side of the keeper and he said no, go the other side. We were watching clips and normally when you roll the ball from the free kick then he (Sels) gives a step to the right to try and see the ball or to get some space. Reece told me to put it the side I did because it will go in.”

The victory for Chelsea led to the immediate firing of Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglu, who lasted just 39 days in the job after replacing Nuno Espírito Santo last month.