2 hours ago
3
Chelsea had watched Arsenal secure Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, Manchester United sign Benjamin Sesko and Liverpool then prise Alexander Isak from Newcastle for a British‑record £150m, before completing the £55m signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton in July.
Having been spotted on a beach in Brazil while on holiday, he made an immediate impact at the Club World Cup, scoring three goals in three starts - including a lob similar to his second strike at Villa Park in the final win over Paris St‑Germain in New Jersey.
Perhaps fortunately, Joao Pedro opted for the number 20 shirt having arrived after Liam Delap's move from Ipswich, with the English striker taking the number nine jersey.
That number has weighed heavily on Delap – just as it has on others including Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Radamel Falcao, Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain during underwhelming spells in west London.
Instead, Joao Pedro exceeded early expectations, scoring twice and providing three assists in his first four Premier League matches.
He then struggled with fitness issues during the autumn period, leading to a dip in form as former head coach Enzo Maresca managed his workload carefully.
But since Rosenior's appointment, he has scored 10 goals in nine Premier League games, along with two more away to Napoli in the Champions League to help the club to avoid the play‑off round.
But his hat-trick at Villa is his biggest achievement in Chelsea colours to date.
"I think it is a special night for me," Joao Pedro told TNT Sport. "I was waiting for this time. My hat-trick came at the right moment, after we lost against Arsenal, I think we showed them the comeback and how much we want to achieve.
"I work a lot to be ready for this moment and I have great players around me so I try to always be in the right place and today I could score three goals.
"Today was special that is why I did a small samba [dance]."
Chelsea have also been impressed with Joao Pedro's influence behind the scenes. He has acted as a mentor to young Brazilian pair Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos, having moved to England seven years ago to join Watford as a teenager.
He has also volunteered for media duties after difficult defeats and has helped bridge dressing‑room divides, befriending English, Spanish and French‑speaking team-mates.
It is not a feeling Chelsea have often had in recent years, but they can finally be content with their main striker as he helps ease the pressure in their bid to ensure they are in Europe's top‑tier competition next season.
English (US) ·