What Joao Pedro had to say after Liam Delap scored twice against AC Milan

Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both staked strong claims for a starting berth in Chelsea’s Premier League opener after impressing in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over AC Milan.

Pedro, preferred to Delap in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI, wasted no time justifying the decision, finding the net in the eighth minute. Delap, introduced later in the match, responded in style with a brace, underlining the healthy competition for Chelsea’s No.9 role.

The 22-year-old Delap performance against Milan may have given Maresca something to think about ahead of Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

Despite being direct rivals for the same position, Pedro showed his support for Delap, applauding both of his goals.

Speaking to 5, the Brazilian said, “I don’t want to say competition, I think it is perfect for Chelsea to have both strikers at a good level. In the last game, he did not score. Today, he scored two goals. I am very happy for him.”

Pedro’s versatility could allow both forwards to start together, with the former Brighton man capable of operating on the left wing. This option might appeal to Maresca, especially with Jamie Gittens showing flashes of promise in pre-season but struggling to provide a consistent end product.

Chelsea will follow up their opener against Palace with two more London derbies before the first international break of the 2025/26 campaign.