Joao Pedro admitted Chelsea need greater consistency to kill off matches after they almost threw away a three-goal lead against Brighton on Sunday.
Xabi Alonso’s side tore into the visitors at Stamford Bridge with goals inside the opening half-hour from Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and Pedro seemingly having the game won, before they relinquished control and allowed Brighton back in.
Malick Yalcouye and a Pedro own-goal made it 3-2 just past the hour mark, at which point Chelsea were on the brink of an embarrassing collapse and struggling to hold Fabian Hurzeler’s side at bay.
Cole Palmer settled nerves with a beautifully-taken fourth before Pascal Gross headed a consolation in stoppage time, as the Blues edged a chaotic game 4-3 despite enjoying only 26 per cent possession.
“I think we started really well and got ourselves into a very commanding position,” said Pedro. “Once we conceded a goal though it brought Brighton back into it.
“I think we should have been more consistent and not allowed them to get that energy and belief, because we could have killed the game a lot earlier.”
Chelsea have looked irresistible at times during their opening two Premier League games under Alonso, scoring seven times and with their front three of Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers looking one of the strongest attacks in the league.
Former Brighton striker Pedro has two goals to his name as does Palmer, while Rogers has one following his £117million move from Aston Villa, as well as an assist on Sunday for Neto’s goal.
Indeed Pedro should have enjoyed a greater return against his old side, missing a golden chance from inside the six-yard box with the score at 2-0, though he quickly made up for it with a lovely, calm finish into the corner after a strong run down the left from Jorrel Hato.
The question remains whether the team can launch a credible title challenge without being able to exert greater control over matches.
“I knew I could be dangerous on the counter and when we turned over possession,” said Pedro. “We felt that we could show a little bit of speed up front and we utilised that well.
“I think up front we are very strong. Myself, Cole and Morgan are linking up well. Throughout the whole team we have good depth, we have very good players in each position and now we need to build the confidence, the togetherness and maintain this form.
“It’s been a good start to the season.”
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