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Gary Neville explains why his Romelu Lukaku prediction was a ‘no-brainer’

Published 15:37 17 May 2022 BST

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"I thought Chelsea play a little bit like an Italian team."

On the final Monday Night Football of the Premier League season, Gary Neville addressed his prediction from the start of the campaign that Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku would be the top scorer in the Premier League. In August, the Sky Sports pundit claimed Lukaku "will score a tonne of goals. He is perfect for that club.” Lukaku's second spell at Stamford Bridge, however, has been underwhelming, and Neville struggled to come to terms with his prediction.

Gary Neville was left red-faced at his prediction of Romelu Lukaku being the top scorer in the Premier League for Chelsea this season.

Gary Neville on his prediction that Romelu Lukaku would be the top-scorer in the Premier League.

Neville said that Lukuku moving to Chelsea was a 'no-brainer,' as their style of football was similar to Inter Milan's, where the Belgian striker excelled last season. “I thought that was a no-brainier Lukaku. He didn’t work at (Manchester) United and I never thought he settled, in the style of play wise,” Neville said on Monday Night Football. “He went back to Italy and I thought Chelsea play a little bit like an Italian team, they don’t press from the front like Arsenal or (Manchester) City or other teams. “It’s a more methodical team, that supply chances. I can’t believe how badly it’s gone for him.”

Lukaku's return to Chelsea.

Lukaku's form has declined from his title-winning season at Inter under Antonio Conte, where he scored 24 goals in 36 appearances in Serie A. This season, Lukaku has scored eight goals in 25 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season, after re-signing for the club for €100m last summer. The 29-year-old has not lived up to expectations upon his return to England, which has resulted in Thomas Tuchel starting midfielder Kai Havertz upfront in his place.