Joao Pedro has scored 16 goals in the ongoing Premier League campaign
It has taken nine years, but Chelsea appear to have found a striker in Joao Pedro capable of leading the line in the way Diego Costa did during the 2016–17 title‑winning season.
The 24-year-old's hat‑trick away to rivals Aston Villa may only have provided a boost in the race for Champions League qualification, but it came in a match Chelsea had gone into with head coach Liam Rosenior speaking of time "running out" for their hopes.
It was an exceptional, all‑action display from a forward now on 17 goals in all competitions, with 14 of them non‑penalty strikes in the Premier League alongside seven league assists. Only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has more non‑penalty goals in the league this season.
Not since Costa have Chelsea had a striker capable of reaching 20 goals in a season, a mark the Brazilian now needs just three more to reach with at least 12 games remaining, including the upcoming FA Cup tie at Wrexham and two‑legged Champions League tie against Paris St‑Germain.
Joao Pedro's first goal came as he cleverly peeled away from Ezri Konsa at the far post to tap in an equaliser, after Chelsea had fallen behind to an early Douglas Luiz strike.
He put Chelsea in front by dinking a finish over Emiliano Martinez just before half‑time, before sealing victory when he tapped in an Alejandro Garnacho cross shortly after Cole Palmer had powered in Chelsea's third.
Joao Pedro earned a pat on the back from Rosenior and a standing ovation from the supporters when he came off in the 85th minute.
After the match, Rosenior was naturally asked about his target man and said: "He is a top player and growing in confidence.
"His goal with his left foot is world class, but I was really delighted with his two tap-ins. He was in the right place at the right time [and we have] worked hard with him on that. He gets a hat-trick and it is an outstanding team performance."
While Rosenior was keen to praise the entire team it was Joao Pedro who was mentioned most and rightly so – his goals have helped lift Chelsea to fifth and cut the gap on Villa to just three points as they push to meet their minimum pre‑season target of qualifying for the Champions League again.
Joao Pedro vs Aston Villa 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9tCcjcMagA
— 🎬N (@Nino12x) March 4, 2026
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