“Really good signing” – Alan Smith names Chelsea ace who impressed him against Cardiff | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith believes Chelsea have a made a “really good” signing in Pedro Neto after the blues beat Cardiff on Tuesday night.

Chelsea advanced to the semi finals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win against the League One side, but were made to work harder than they would have wanted to.

Enzo Maresca had to turn to his bench to sort things out with Alejandro Garnacho and Neto proving to be the difference.

Alan Smith praises Pedro Neto

Maresca as expected made changes, but it was a surprise to see him make 11 changes, but he named a strong bench, which was ultimately the difference.

Chelsea played poorly in the first half, and Tyrique George and Marc Guiu were taken off at half time, and replaced by Garancho and Joao Pedro.

Neto continued his impressive start to the season against Cardiff. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Maresca then introduced Neto, who scored the second goal to give Chelsea the lead inside the last ten minutes, after Cardiff had equalised through David Turnbull.

Neto continued his impressive start to the season, and Smith believes the Portugal international has been a “really” good signing.

“He’s been a really good signing for Chelsea,” he told Sky Sports.

“Consistent, whenever called upon, and this was a clean strike. Little bit of swerve on it as well.

“Through the legs, and it gets a little clip off Fagan which makes life even more difficult for Trott in goal.”

Alejandro Garnacho impresses

It wasn’t just Neto who impressed, with Garnacho scoring twice after being subbed on at half time as he put in a big performance just when Chelsea needed it.

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Garnacho has been in good form, but has lacked consistency, and was guilty of missing a number of chances against Everton.

The Argentine’s movement is very good, and there’s clearly a lot to work with , and he’s certainly ahead of Jamie Gittens on the left hand side currently.