Joao Pedro continued his superb start to life in Chelsea colours in Saturday’s win against Fulham.
The Blues signed off for the international break with a 2-0 victory at home to rivals Fulham, which momentarily lifts them to the summit of the Premier League.
Joao Pedro, 23, opened the scoring for Enzo Maresca’s side at Stamford Bridge with his header from a corner kick. Afterwards, Enzo Fernandez converted a penalty in the second period to clinch three points.
Even though VAR controversy will take the headlines, including the moment where Josh King’s goal was disallowed for Fulham, Chelsea won’t care too much after clinching the winning results.
Joao Pedro applauds the Chelsea supporters at Stamford Bridge after beating Fulham in the Premier League.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Joe Cole thought Joao Pedro grew into the game
Joe Cole was full of praise for Chelsea attacker Pedro after his display against Fulham.
He claimed that the Brazilian star, who played in the No.10 role because of Cole Palmer’s injury absence, got better as the game progressed. We agree that he took charge of the contest in the second half with some excellent bits of individual skill.
When discussing Pedro’s latest Chelsea performance, Cole said on TNT Sports 1 (2:50pm, 30 August): “Early on in the game, like a lot of the Chelsea players, he wasn’t at it. He grew into it. He’s a goal threat – we know that. He can play No.9, No.10, No.11. He’s got this swagger about him when he receives the ball. He’s just hit the ground running… I think he’s got the ability to go up levels.”
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It’s been an epic start to life at Chelsea since Pedro joined from Brighton in the summer. Yet again, he was at the heart of everything that was positive against Fulham.
Minutes played Goals Total shots Chances created Accurate passes Was fouled Offsides Match rating
90 1 3 1 23/26 (88%) 4 2 8.2
Joao Pedro statistics from Chelsea vs Fulham via FOTMOB
Ally McCoist thinks Pedro could be a Chelsea bargain after paying £60m for him in July. The early signs are that he’s spot on!
Blues fans will now be hoping he comes back from the international break without any issues, especially because of the current injuries to Palmer and Liam Delap.
Joao Pedro dribbling for Chelsea against Fulham in the Premier League match.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Gary Cahill equally impressed by Joao Pedro
Similarly, former Blues defender Gary Cahill really enjoyed what he saw from Pedro this weekend.
When discussing Pedro’s goal against Fulham, Cahill said via the Premier League’s official website (2:46pm, 30 August): “We spoke about the delivery, it was inch-perfect for Joao Pedro, I think that’s now five goals in five starts. It’s a great impact in this Chelsea team for him.”
Chelsea were confident Pedro could help them instantly, and he’s quite clearly been their best player in the opening weeks of the season.