Chelsea’s emphatic win against West Ham on Friday night had South American flair running through the heart of it.
Chelsea are temporarily up to first in the Premier League table after smashing West Ham 5-1 away from home, making it four points from their opening two matches this season.
Despite Cole Palmer’s injury concern forcing him to withdraw from the matchday squad just before kick-off, the Blues showcased their attacking firepower against the Hammers. Hopefully, the English playmaker is fit and available to face Fulham at home on 30 August.
Chelsea are fortunate that they have talented attackers such as the Brazilian duo Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian to fill the Palmer void.
Chelsea attacker Joao Pedro during the Premier League match against West Ham.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Brazilian publication Globo delivered a glowing verdict on Chelsea attacker Pedro, 23, after his individual display against West Ham.
The Brazilian forward excelled in the No.10 position last night, showing his versatility to cover for Palmer. He scored a headed goal and provided two assists to cap off a memorable night’s work.
Globo wrote: “Joao Pedro was the best player on the pitch in the West Ham vs Chelsea match. He scored the equaliser with a header, provided the assist for Pedro Neto, played a decisive role in Trevoh Chalobah’s goal, and had other excellent plays. He played both as a key player in attack, closer to the box, and as a drop-in player in other areas.”
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Chelsea supporters hailed Pedro’s contribution against West Ham as he continues to grow into a real fan favourite.
Many people questioned the decision this summer to splash £60m to sign him from Brighton, but he’s slotted in effortlessly at his new club.
Appearances Goals Assists
5 4 2
Joao Pedro’s record in competitive matches for Chelsea
Ally McCoist called Pedro a bargain signing for Chelsea, and the early signs are he’s an incredible bit of business. The fact that he can cover multiple positions in the attacking third is such a huge bonus.
Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian celebrate a Chelsea goal against West Ham in the Premier League.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Similarly, Globo praised Brazilian teenager Estevao, 18, for his display against West Ham.
They wrote: “The young Brazilian had a very good performance, including a beautiful assist for Enzo Fernández’s goal. Estevao is the youngest player (18 years and 120 days old) to provide an assist in Chelsea’s Premier League history.”
On his first-ever Premier League start, Estevao lit up the action at the London Stadium. The right-winger did everything but score with an eye-catching performance, including a magical assist for Enzo Fernandez’s goal.
Jamie Redknapp was blown away by Estevao after watching the youngster’s performance live against West Ham, and we expect him to keep entertaining everyone this season.