‘Martinelli invites the challenge’ – Ex-Chelsea midfielder reacts to Neto’s red card against Arsenal

Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend has reacted to the incident that resulted in Pedro Neto being sent off during Arsenal’s 2–1 victory over the Blues on Sunday.

Arsenal took the lead in the first half from a corner, with William Saliba turning the ball home after a clever flick from Gabriella Magalhães.

Chelsea drew level late in the half when Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net.

The Gunners restored their advantage after the break, again from a corner situation, as Jurrien Timber bundled the ball over the line.

However, Neto was dismissed in the second half after bringing down Gabriel Martinelli to halt a dangerous counter-attack.

He was shown a second yellow card for the challenge and subsequently given his marching orders, leaving Chelsea to finish the match with 10 men while already trailing.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Townsend emphasised Martinelli’s intelligence, pointing out how he smartly enticed the Chelsea winger into committing the challenge in the final 20 minutes.

“It’s a second yellow for Neto, it’s a great run from Martinelli, a brilliant bit of play from him,” he said. “He just keeps going and going. It’s a yellow card challenge, Martinelli invites the challenge.”

Before his red card, the Portuguese winger struggled to make an impact in Chelsea’s attacking play.

Despite registering 28 touches before his dismissal, Neto did not manage a successful dribble, failed to take a shot on target, and was unable to deliver an accurate cross into the box.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger did show glimpses of creativity, however, completing 95 percent of his passes, including six key passes in the final third.

Arsenal are top of the table, holding a five-point lead over Manchester City, who still have a game in hand.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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