Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
A graphic showing Jordan Henderson's match statistics (goals, assists, key passes and pass completion rate) against for Chelsea FC against Bournemouth. Image shows Jordan Henderson celebrating.
Credit: Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Split image - N'Golo Kante of Chelsea and Pep Chavarria of Chelsea
Split image - N'Golo Kante of Chelsea and Pep Chavarria of Chelsea
Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Pedro scored twice, with both goals first-touch finishes, getting on the end of crosses. Indeed, Pedro only touched the ball twice in Bournemouth’s box, both resulting in goals – Chelsea’s third and fourth.
He touched the ball just 25 times before being substituted on 72 minutes, and replaced by Marco Palestra for his Chelsea debut. He touched the ball less than any other player who started Saturday’s fixture.
Compare that to Haaland’s performance against Liverpool on Sunday. Haaland touched the ball a mere 14 times, two in Liverpool’s box, one of which resulted in a goal as City secured a brilliant win at Anfield.
This isn’t an isolated display; it is a structural blueprint throughout 2026-27. Despite missing the Brentford clash, Pedro leads the Premier League in total goal contributions with five goals and three assists.
Pedro is achieving elite production by doing remarkably little outside the 18-yard box. He leads the Premier League for shot conversion, around 38.5%. Only Haaland has scored more goals, netting six.
Despite scoring one less than Haaland in the league, he is averaging a goal every 86 minutes. Haaland is averaging one every 88 minutes, but it is very close – again showing another similarity between the duo.
Pedro is achieving more by doing less, much like Haaland at City
Pedro is averaging 32 touches between Premier League goals. Haaland is touching the ball just 24 times between goals, but last season, Pedro was touching the ball 84 times between goals. A clear change.
Alonso realised Chelsea do not need another roving playmaker disguised as a target man. Suppressing Pedro’s natural urge to come short, the half-spaces are empty for Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
When a central striker can deliver a multi-goal performance off minimal touches, he does not just convert chances – he creates space for the entire team. Alonso has turned Pedro into his own version of Haaland.
There are reports that say Haaland is keen on a move to Chelsea, if City’s charges stick beyond their appeal and a points deduction enforcing relegation materialises. Pedro is proving Haaland isn’t needed.