Chelsea should axe Pedro Neto as woeful in-depth stats emerge

Pedro Neto was incredibly poor as Chelsea were smashed 3-0 by Brentford on Friday night.

Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho scored at the Gtech Community Stadium, handing the Blues a third consecutive Premier League match without victory.

Injuries have forced Xabi Alonso's team into an uncomfortable midfield situation, but the side who hoped to contend for the title this season did not even look to make it competitive.

Under their new manager, Chelsea have looked exciting at times, but their defence has emerged as a massive problem and has seen them concede more goals than anyone else.

In Alonso's system, Neto is deployed as a right-wing-back and did look to take to the position well at the start of the season, earning himself a new contract.

But the Portugal international's weaknesses were exposed on Friday and he was left looking like a clear target for Brentford.

Pedro Neto's appalling stats vs Brentford

Neto was responsible was one of Chelsea's most promising moments in the game, when he surged forward in the first half and forced Caoimhin Kelleher into a strong save.

But there were few good moments from him after that. The winger was constantly caught out of position at the back and delivered little going the other way.

It was not through short of trying for 26-year-old, who attempted five dribbles, but he struggled to complete them, pulling off just one - a 20 per cent completion rate.

Neto also completed just one of four crosses - to 25 per cent completion - and committed two fouls.

He was dispossessed once and, staggeringly, won just four of his 13 duels on the night.

Xabi Alonso must take action

Alonso will be well aware that Chelsea are suffering from a seriously damaging defensive problem.

The Blues have conceded at least two goals in every one of their five Premier League games and, as well as conceding more than anybody else, they have also conceded the most expected goals in the league.

Alonso's system has served him well before, but he may have to make changes to address the issue.

Fortunately, the international break should also bring the returns of Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra - who will be an ideal replacement.