Despite the draw against Leeds, it was another impressive outing for Joao Pedro in his excellent first season as a Chelsea player.
Pedro found the net with a delightful chip to open the scoring, and won the penalty that helped them go into a 2-0 lead.
It was a disappointing end to proceedings though. Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor both benefitted from terrible Chelsea defending to level the game, even with a controversial handball call not being given in their favour.
Anything you would change, Chelsea fans?🤔
Two points dropped against Leeds United…
Chelsea player ratings vs Leeds United
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It is hard to think back to just how impressive the Blues were in the opening hour, and the Brazilian’s goal was his 10th in the Premier League so far this season.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Premier League
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Joao Pedro reaches 10+ goals for second successive season
He is currently the top scorer for the club since the new manager came in, and he has now reached double digits for the second successive campaign.
According to OptaJoe, the forward is just the fourth from Brazil to reach this figure in back-to-back campaigns.
They said: “10 – João Pedro is just the fourth Brazilian to score 10+ goals in back-to-back Premier League seasons, after Roberto Firmino (4 from 2015-16 to 2018-19), Richarlison (2018-19/2019-20), and Matheus Cunha (2023-24/2024-25). Starring.”
The fact that he has done this without taking any penalties for the Blues is seriously impressive, and he is quickly proving to be one of the signings of the summer.
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Chelsea's New Signing Willian - Cobham Training Ground
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Joao Pedro achieves feat Willian could never reach
Given the fact that so few Brazilians have managed to achieve this feat in the Premier League era, Pedro is in elite company.
Joao Pedro is the CLOSEST Chelsea have had to Didier Drogba since he left… 👀
What do you think?
He is not joined in this club by any past Chelsea players, including Willian and Oscar.
It is clear that Rosenior has taken a liking to the Brazilian, and he has clearly taken the role of regular striker ahead of Liam Delap.
The Englishman has been forced to wait for his opportunities, and was unable to make an impact when he came off the bench late against Leeds.
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