Not Cole Palmer: Chelsea Fans Blown Away By ‘Insane’ Player vs AC Milan

Chelsea took on AC Milan this weekend in their final pre-season game ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season. And a summer that started well – with the Blues winning the Club World Cup – also ended on a positive note with Enzo Maresca’s men beating the Italian side 2-0.

The game was significantly impacted by a disastrous 20-minute spell in which Milan Andrei Coubis managed to score an own goal, before then getting himself a straight red card. A further header from Joao Pedro meant the home team had a two-goal lead at half-time.

The second half was still pretty eventful, as there was time for a Liam Delap penalty and a consolation strike from Youssouf Fofana. Delap then added another late on with the game ending 4-1.

Pre-season is always a time for fans to overhype their new arrivals, and while Chelsea supporters got a good glimpse of Pedro at the aforementioned Club World Cup, this game against Milan has given them even more cause for great excitement.

Joao Pedro Shines vs AC Milan

He’s now scored five goals in his first five games for the club (although only three of those games can be classed as competitive fixtures). What’s more, he proved he was a handful for the opposition, and it was Pedro’s run in behind which caught out Coubis, resulting in the red card.

Of course, though, the most notable moment of the game was his goal. The forward gracefully charged into the box to meet Pedro Neto’s cross with perfect timing, nodding in a fine header in the eighth minute of the match. He then came off after 60 minutes.

For so long, Cole Palmer has been the standout star in this Chelsea team. Should Pedro be able to take his pre-season form into the upcoming Premier League campaign, there soon could be a new fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.

Fans Buzzing Over Pedro’s Pre-Season

He was so impressive that some fans wanted him to come off early to keep him fit and fresh for the season. One wrote: “Just take Joao Pedro off bro he’s too good for a friendly.”

Another concurred, saying: “Take Joao Pedro off he’s so so good for this game.”

Others felt he could be the difference-maker going forward, transforming Chelsea. Oen wrote: “Joao Pedro has brought new life to the team upfront. Chelsea can compete now.”

Another said: “Joao Pedro was the missing piece in this Chelsea team. Take a bow.”

While one simply said: “5 games 5 goals. JOAO PEDRO YOU ARE INSANE.” Another was more impressed, saying: “Joao Pedro for Ballon d’Or.”

Another admitted they had already changed their opinion on Pedro, explaining: “I was sceptical about Joao Pedro joining bc of his normal position being a 10 but my god how wrong I was. This guy is a handful. Unbelievable player.”

A final fan said: “Joao Pedro really is an elite striker in the making. He can actually do it all, and with very little effort as well.”