While Joao Pedro’s hat-trick was the highlight at Villa Park, Liam Rosenior emphasized Alejandro Garnacho’s significant role in Chelsea’s 4-1 victory.
This was one of Chelsea’s strongest performances under Rosenior, showing solid control after a shaky start. The lowest rating given was a six, indicating a strong team effort overall.
Although Joao Pedro scored three goals, boosting his total to 17 goals and nine assists this season, the win wasn’t solely due to him.
Garnacho’s contributions were also crucial as he consistently advanced Chelsea’s attacks, taking on Matty Cash directly.
Liam Rosenior praises Alejandro Garnacho’s complete game
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Garnacho’s performance silenced critics, showing his ability to contribute defensively as well as offensively.
Liam Rosenior had much to commend about the winger’s effort.
“He was outstanding. I’ve spoken to him a lot. I told him, ‘I knew he would play well tonight,’ because of his training.”
“When you’re a professional, you apply yourself in training and take it into matches. His intensity in training is why he performed so well today.”
“I appreciate how unselfish he was in setting up Joao’s goal.”
Joao Pedro celebrates hat-trick as Chelsea dominates Villa
Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick, marking a new milestone by surpassing Didier Drogba’s debut goal tally.
Beyond his goals, Pedro was influential. With only 42 touches and a passing accuracy of 56%, he remained active in play. He completed one dribble, took four shots on target, provided one assist, made two tackles, and won six duels.
After the match, Rosenior praised Pedro, saying:
“Scary. The youth in this squad is a joy to work with.
“His mentality is strong; he’s a brilliant and physical player. We’ve focused on his positioning in the box. I’m thrilled with two of his goals because they were right in front of the goal.”