Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland has sparked fresh criticism of forward Joao Pedro, whose recent form has left fans frustrated.
Enzo Maresca’s side took an early lead through Alejandro Garnacho in the fourth minute, but goals from Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey turned the game around, sealing a late win for the Black Cats. Despite dominating possession, Chelsea managed only 0.97 xG, with Pedro’s ineffective display drawing the most backlash.
The Brazilian, who joined from Brighton in the summer, was substituted after registering no shots on target and being dispossessed three times.
“Joao Pedro is so overrated. He’s so slow in and out of possession,” one Chelsea fan wrote on X. Another added, “Joao Pedro’s decision-making recently has been sooo underwhelming.”
Once hailed as a smart signing after his bright start and Club World Cup form, Pedro is now under pressure to rediscover his spark as Chelsea face a busy fixture run.