Joao Pedro played a key part in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
The Brazilian scored the opening goal at Stamford Bridge, which was somewhat against the run of play.
He could also have won a penalty in an excellent performance against a difficult Brentford side.
But Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior was actually more impressed with something Pedro did out of possession.
Joao Pedro grabs his seventh Premier League goal of the season against Brentford! ⚽️
Joao Pedro's 2025/26 Premier League stats
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Liam Rosenior loved this Joao Pedro moment
Rosenior sang Pedro’s praises in his press conference after winning his first Premier League game as Chelsea boss.
He was obviously happy that Pedro scored, but he focused on the striker’s hold-up play and work rate without the ball.
Indeed, he pinpointed the exact moment in the first half when Pedro made him “so happy.”
“It wasn’t just his goal [that pleased me], it was his performance,” Rosenior told the Chelsea website. “We went a little bit more direct to take Brentford off the press early in the game and he won every duel. He was outstanding.
“There was also a moment that made me so happy. In the first half, Brentford were breaking on transition and he sprinted back 70 yards to make a tackle. That’s what I love, that’s what I want to see in my team.
“I said to him – and not just him, all of the players – the harder you work for the team, the more chances come for you, and he took his chance magnificently. It was a fantastic strike.”
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Chelsea 2-0 Brentford graphic with Cole Palmer
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Joao Pedro’s underrated first season at Chelsea
Joao Pedro has probably not received as much credit as he deserves in his first seven months at Chelsea.
Firstly, Pedro scored three goals in three games at the Club World Cup, including a brilliant finish in the final against PSG.
Seven goals in 22 Premier League appearances is also a decent return considering he has often played as an attacking midfielder.
And, as Rosenior explained, Pedro offers far more to the team than just goals; his work rate both in and out of possession is top class.
He may never be a world-class centre-forward like Didier Drogba or Diego Costa, but it is hard to argue that Pedro has not been a quality signing.
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