Yet again, Joao Pedro had more frustration in a Chelsea shirt during Saturday’s defeat against Sunderland.
The Blues saw their winning streak end this weekend, losing 2-1 at home to Sunderland in the Premier League. After four consecutive wins across competitions, Enzo Maresca’s side dropped league points against impressive opposition.
Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for the hosts in the 4th minute with his first goal for Chelsea. However, Wilson Isidor equalised for newly-promoted Sunderland midway through the first half. In stoppage time at the end of the contest, the visitors secured a dramatic winner through Chemsdine Talbi.
Like most players in a Chelsea shirt, Joao Pedro was far from his best in Saturday’s game.
Even though the 24-year-old attacker operated in his preferred role as a number 10, he did very little to influence the contest.
It now means that Pedro hasn’t scored a goal in eight consecutive matches across all competitions.
Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jason Cundy criticises quiet Joao Pedro
According to Jason Cundy, Chelsea star Pedro barely had a kick during a bad afternoon against Sunderland.
Cundy said via Chelsea’s official app (25 October): “He’s had a frustrating afternoon so far Joao Pedro… They’ve marshalled him very well in the middle of the park… Joao Pedro involvement very limited again. Look at the Sunderland box around him.”
Cundy’s spot on that Sunderland completely limited Pedro’s threat, so he was even taken off late on when the hosts were looking for a goal.
Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Joao Pedro stats vs Sunderland
As you can see below by Pedro’s stats against Sunderland, provided by FOTMOB, it was a fixture for him to quickly forget.
Minutes played – 85
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Total shots – 0
Chances created – 1
Accurate passes – 13/16 (81%)
Touches – 30
Touches in opposition box – 3
Successful dribbles – 2/2 (100%)
Offsides – 2
Dispossessed – 3
Match rating – 6.2
Unfortunately, Pedro has gone from the talisman in the opening weeks of the 2025-26 campaign to a potential headache for Maresca. It is worrying that he’s looked ineffective now for a few games, regardless of whether he’s played as a number 10 or the central striker.
We’re confident he’s got the character and ability to regain his form, but it needs to happen quickly because his side can’t be satisfied with 14 points from their opening nine matches in the Premier League.