After an electric start to life with Chelsea at the Club World Cup, the sky was the limit for Joao Pedro at Stamford Bridge.
Two goals in his first three games of the Premier League season kept those hopes alive, however it has not been perceived as brilliant the whole time from the forward.
Pedro was on hand to find the net for the Blues against Crystal Palace to double their lead, and his shot forced the handball that allowed them to go three goals up in the London derby.
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The former Brighton man now has eight Premier League goals this season, which is a brilliant figure when taking into account not a single one has come from the penalty spot.
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In fact, as per WhoScored, his figure of eight is more than any other new signing has managed in the league so far this season.
There was a large turnover of big-money strikers for English sides over the summer, and the Blues were linked with a number of them before bringing in Pedro.
Nick Woltermade and Hugo Ekitike were targets, however Chelsea can feel confident they made the right call in regards to which new number nine to sign.
There will be some who look to Nicolas Jackson as just as good an option, although in just his first season Pedro is proving a crucial part of the attack in West London.
Pedro shines as Delap’s struggles continue
Pedro wasn’t the only new striker the club signed. Before his addition, Liam Delap was also brought in from relegated Ipswich Town.
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The Englishman has struggled with both fitness and performances this season, with reports stating that there are already internal concerns over Delap’s output.
The pair have both been used by new manager Liam Rosenior sporadically, although it is the £60m man who has impressed far more so far.
It looks clear that Pedro should be named in the starting side for Chelsea’s biggest game of the season on Wednesday, when they take on Napoli in the Champions League.
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