Chelsea finally got the better of Championship side Wrexham on Saturday night after going to extra time before securing a 4-2 win, and Joe Cole has been raving about Joao Pedro.
What promised to be a tricky encounter for Chelsea, many were concerned when Liam Rosenior’s side included nine changes. Starts for much-criticised Robert Sanchez, Benoit Badiashile and other players.
Indeed, Wrexham took the lead twice through Sam Smith and Josh Windass, but Chelsea pegged their rivals back thanks to an own goal and Josh Acheampong. Then, George Dobson received a red card.
Chelsea player ratings vs Wrexham 1️⃣-🔟
Who was the best and worst performer?
Chelsea player ratings vs Wrexham with Joao Pedro clapping the fans
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Extra time saw Alejandro Garnacho complete a good week with a neat finish, and after Lewis Brunt’s header was ruled out for offside, Joao Pedro scored again. Joe Cole raved about Chelsea’s Brazilian ace.
Joe Cole uses Erling Haaland to praise ‘monster’ Joao Pedro
Pedro was used as a substitute on Saturday night, having just scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa. The Brazilian is in blistering form, scoring 10 goals in 12 games and creating five more before Wrexham.
FBL-ENG-FACUP-WREXHAM-CHELSEA
Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
His goal was everything Pedro is about. Receiving the ball from deep and driving at the Wrexham back line before finishing past Arthur Okonkwo. On TNT Sports, Joe Cole compared Pedro to Erling Haaland.
“He’s a monster, he really is. He picks it up [for his goal] and I think he has already decided what he’s going to go. Takes the centre-back to the left, drags it back, he actually strikes it into the floor.
“Everything he’s hitting at the moment is going in. He’s playing that no.9 role; not like an Erling Haaland where he’s on the shoulder, he will drop in and drift in because he’s got quality. But such a good player.”
Joao Pedro is the key to Chelsea’s pursuit of silverware
If Liam Rosenior is to shake off the doubters, despite 10 wins in his first 15 games including the 4-2 extra-time win over Wrexham, then some silverware will do nicely. Chelsea remain active on two fronts.
Discuss: Joao Pedro is the new Didier Drogba 🔥
Numbers prior to Wrexham win.
While the pursuit of Champions League qualification is financial silverware in itself, the Blues have booked their place in the FA Cup quarter finals and next week, have the chance to beat an under-par PSG.
Chelsea know how to get the better of PSG having beaten Luis Enrique’s side in the Club World Cup final last summer. But if Rosenior and the Blues are going to do anything, keeping Pedro fit and fresh is key.
There are quality players all over the park, there is depth and there are a few in a decent run of form. But none are showing the brilliance that Pedro is producing at the moment. Already, a bargain at £60m.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox