Add as preferred source on Google
There were huge positives to take from Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Leeds United in Sunday’s FA Cup final at Wembley, and one of those was Joao Pedro. Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole were impressed.
After a disastrous week in which Chelsea had lost a fifth Premier League game in a row without scoring, and Liam Rosenior was sacked, Calum McFarlane was tasked with rejuvenating his squad against Leeds.
He did just that. McFarlane got his tactics right, his changes worked, and even his ‘gamesmanship’ – as described by Pat Nevin – saw Chelsea nullify an in-form Leeds side impressing under boss Daniel Farke.
Chelsea’s player ratings v Leeds: Do YOU agree?
Gusto and Sanchez excellent!
A side that had beaten Chelsea in the Premier League this season. The win was crucial, and the return of Joao Pedro played a big part in that win. The Brazil international missed the Brighton loss due to injury.
Steven Gerrard was stunned by something Joao Pedro did
Pedro led the line superbly and despite his knock, the former Watford and Brighton striker lasted right up until injury time before he was replaced by Liam Delap. There were no signs of rustiness with Pedro.
Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was in awe of Pedro. But it was one moment in the second half, involving Marc Cucurella, that left Gerrard blown away by the striker.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“He was great today. Lovely movement, with and without the ball. Can you remember the one in the second half, Cucurella has wrapped one into him. You’re thinking as a centre-forward, thanks for that.
“It’s come at him neck height and yet, his first touch was like velcro. Chelsea look a different team with him in. I thought he made a big difference,” Gerrard continued, in his praise of Chelsea’s best striker.
Joe Cole absolutely loves watching Joao Pedro
While Pedro’s performance might have come as a surprise to Gerrard, it is something that Joe Cole has come to know and love as a Chelsea fan. Cole was also on punditry duty alongside Gerrard yesterday.
Hato, Joao Pedro or someone else? 🤔
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
The Chelsea icon shared why he loves watching Pedro: “That Brazilian favela, street football flair. He plays with a freedom, I loved him today. He was dropping off; did his centre-forward job and picked his passes.
“They didn’t know whether to go with him into the pockets. He was such a problem for Leeds. You see his influence; when he was out of the team, we looked a bit off. Back in, we’re so much more balanced.”
Chelsea will be hoping that Pedro has come through the semi-final unscathed and will be available when the Blues take on Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge next Monday.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox