Joao Pedro helped Chelsea to an emphatic 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
The former Brighton forward scored the second goal of the game with an excellent run and finish between Dean Henderson’s legs.
He also won a penalty, which Enzo Fernandez converted, when Jaydee Canvot stopped his goal-bound shot with his arm.
Pedro and fellow Brazilian Estevao were the two best players on the pitch, but Robert Sanchez also deserves credit for the Blues’ win.
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Joao Pedro reflects on Robert Sanchez’s big moment
Joao Pedro was delighted to get on the scoresheet for the second consecutive Premier League game, and the timing of the goal was excellent.
Scoring five minutes into the second half gave Chelsea a comfortable 2-0 lead against a Palace side in poor form.
However, the result could have been completely different if not for Robert Sanchez’s superb save in the eighth minute.
Sanchez’s outstretched leg prevented Jean-Philippe Mateta from putting the Eagles 1-0 up after a mistake from Benoit Badiashile.
“Scoring early in the second half was a big moment, and it meant that Palace were not ready to readjust, and we could then take control,” Pedro told the Chelsea website.
“It shows how important moments are in games, because before that, we needed Rob [Sanchez] to make a big save at 0-0.
“If that goes in, it could have been a lot tougher for us, but he made a great save and, as I said, it allowed us to build on that, and once we scored, we felt in control.”
Sanchez continues to impress between the sticks this season. It’s just a shame he made two costly errors against Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg.
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Joao Pedro is enjoying life under Liam Rosenior
Joao Pedro spoke highly about Liam Rosenior’s impact on the Chelsea squad since replacing Enzo Maresca three weeks ago.
Rosenior has won four of his five games in charge of the Blues, including two Premier League victories, with his only defeat against Arsenal in the League Cup.
“We are progressing well, and we are all enjoying life under the new manager,” Pedro added.
“He’s very important to us, and we are happy working with him. When you play for Chelsea, you expect to win, and he says the same.”
Chelsea’s next test will be against Antonio Conte’s Napoli in a must-win Champions League match on Wednesday night.
“I’m very happy here, and I hope we can kick on now, starting with a big game against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday,” Pedro said.
“We have to be ready for that, and I’m sure the manager will make sure that we are.”
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