Speaking to the press after beating Tottenham, Enzo Maresca singled out one top Chelsea performer.
Maresca will be delighted with the display from his side, who were far better than the 1-0 scoreline suggests.
Chelsea were on top for the vast majority, continuing their mind-boggling record against their London rivals.
There were plenty of players the Chelsea boss could have commended, but he wanted to express how pleased he was to see a new signing who had been in a bit of a rut get on the score sheet.
Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro applaud the Chelsea fans after beating Tottenham in the Premier League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca never doubted Joao Pedro
Goalless in the Premier League since August, no one is happier than Joao Pedro about his decisive goal against Spurs.
Well, Maresca might be. He had only good things to say about the Brazilian, who he will need in top form as the season rolls on.
Chelsea break the deadlock! 🔓
Unbelievable persistence from Moises Caicedo, as he wins the ball back twice before squaring it to Joao Pedro, who gives the visitors the lead ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/13d0OZluXi
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 1, 2025
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After the win, Football London reported Maresca’s post-match words, where he said: “Joao has never been a problem. The problem with Joao is that he’s not training every day because of the problems he has. He is not 100% fit in every game.
“Joao is going to score goals. Against Liverpool, he was very, very good. We have Liam back now and we have more options.”
He has been dealing with minor issues stretching back to the summer campaign, but this goal should boost his confidence and get him back to his best.
Pedro could have had a hat-trick
Pedro made sure to thank Moises Caicedo for doing everything to set him up in the middle of the box. Jamie Carragher also made sure to give Caicedo credit.
It was an unmissable chance, and fortunately enough, because Pedro had already missed a big chance.
In fact, he could have easily earned the match ball.
He wasn’t the only one either, with multiple gilt-edged opportunities missed by the Blues, who created almost 3 xG.
Thankfully, Spurs didn’t punish the poor finishing and a goal was enough to earn all three points.