Joao Pedro played a key role in Chelsea’s comeback against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca’s side initially found themselves 2-0 down in the first half after Nick Woltemade’s brace.
However, a stunning free-kick from Reece James and cool finish by Pedro saw Chelsea make it 2-2 after the restart.
A difficult afternoon, but resilience shown by Chelsea 🙌
Who was your Player of the Match?
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Eddie Howe thought Chelsea were quite fortunate to walk away with a point, a sentiment that Pedro is unlikely to agree with.
Joao Pedro during Newcastle United v Chelsea in Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea won more second balls
According to Pedro, Chelsea showed a lot of “character” in the second half. The forward also thinks they won more second balls after the break, which helped them to turn the match around.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official club website after the game, Pedro said: “I think we could have started better in the first half, but in the second half we showed our character, and we tried to get the three points.”
The 24-year-old later went on to add: “I think in the first half we started a little bit slowly, and in this type of game you need to win more second balls and in the second half that’s what we did. It helped us to create more when you start to win these balls. We started quicker and with more power, and that’s why we scored.”
The equaliser from Joao Pedro 🤩
Robert Sanchez understood the assignment 💪
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Pedro’s goal against Newcastle was his fifth in the Premier League this season. It means he is now the joint-top scorer in Maresca’s squad alongside Pedro Neto.
At half-time, Pedro spoke to Robert Sanchez, telling the goalkeeper to go long to him, with the Brazilian being able to capitalise on his teammate’s direct pass.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Joao Pedro stats vs Newcastle
Pedro scored Chelsea’s all-important equaliser and put in a good display overall at St James’ Park.
As per Sofascore, Pedro registered two key passes and completed one dribble so was an all-round threat to Howe’s side.
The Brazil international also made three clearances, so he managed to do some defensive work, too. All in all, Pedro stepped up at a time when Chelsea really needed him to.
With Liam Delap out injured, Maresca does not have too many forward options right now. The 22-year-old should be back for Chelsea’s next Premier League game against Aston Villa, though.
It was recently claimed that Chelsea have some concerns about Delap after an underwhelming start at Stamford Bridge, but the former Ipswich Town man has not had a run of matches because of injuries.
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