Liam Rosenior's one-word verdict of Joao Pedro speaks volumes after Aston Villa hat-trick

After Joao Pedro scored a fantastic hat-trick against Aston Villa, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior summed up the Brazilian's performance at Villa Park with one word

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has promised "scary" Joao Pedro is only going to get better. The Brazilian was in the mood for the Blues as they registered an impressive 4-1 away victory over Aston Villa.

In a stunning showing at Villa Park, Pedro took his Premier League tally for the season up to 14 goals. The summer signing from Brighton and Hove Albion threatened to fizzle out under Enzo Maresca, having hit the ground running in the Club World Cup for the Blues.

But ever since Rosenior replaced the Italian, Pedro's performances have gone to another level, contributing ten goals and five assists in 12 appearances in all competitions under the ex-Strasbourg manager. After seeing the striker drag the Blues to victory, Rosenior summed up Pedro's display with just one word.

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Speaking to TNT Sport, when asked about Pedro's display by Joe Cole, Rosenior instantly said the Brazilian international was "scary".

The Chelsea boss added: "His mentality as well, he’s a warrior. He’s a fantastic footballer, but he’s strong and he’s physical. We’ve worked a lot with him about his positioning in the box.

"Two of his goals I’m delighted with because they’re in the six-yard box and that’s where strikers get goals. We know he’s an outstanding player and for me, he’s got even more to go, which is even better for us."

Pedro's goals have come at the perfect time for the West Londoners. With Liverpool being shocked by Wolverhampton Wanderers on March 3, Chelsea had the opportunity to move into fifth position.

They got off to a terrible start as Douglas Luiz opened the scoring for the home side by finishing off an excellent team move. The first of Pedro's goals came not long after when he stabbed home from close range after a great cross from Malo Gusto.

Just before half-time, he beat the Villa offside trap and scooped a wonderful finish over Emiliano Martinez. Cole Palmer scored in the second half to make the game 3-1, before Alejandro Garnacho passed the ball around Martinez to give Pedro an empty net to pass into to secure his hat-trick.

After the match, while holding the match ball, a grinning Pedro said: "I think it’s a special night for me. I’ve been waiting for this time. My hat-trick came at the right moment. After the loss to Arsenal, we showed how much we want to achieve. I’m happy to score my first hat-trick."

Chelsea not only moved into fifth position, which may be enough to secure a place in next season's Champions League, but they also moved within three points of fourth-placed Villa. They are also only three points behind third-placed Manchester United, after Michael Carrick's side lost 2-1 away to Newcastle United.