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Rediff.com  » Sports » Pedro shines on debut and highlights worth to Chelsea

Pedro shines on debut and highlights worth to Chelsea

August 23, 2015 23:36 IST
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Pedro of Chelsea celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Newly-acquired Spain forward Pedro highlighted his potential worth to Premier League champions Chelsea with a goal, assist and eye-catching performance in their 3-2 win at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

The 28-year-old appeared destined to join rivals Manchester United for much of the transfer window but instead signed for Chelsea earlier this week for a fee of €30 million ($33.59 million).

During nine seasons at Barcelona, Pedro scored 99 goals in all competitions and built a reputation as one of Europe's deadliest finishers.

Against a physical West Brom, Pedro turned in a performance which had Chelsea fans in raptures with renditions of "Are you watching United?" after he made a seamless transition to the hustle and bustle of Premier League football.

After Chelsea's poor start to the campaign, which has yielded one point from two games, Pedro was deployed from the off and his incisive running and deft touches were a highlight of a first half where Chelsea led 3-1.

Pedro of Chelsea sets up the second Chelsea goal during the Barclays Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

There was more to his performance than his goal and assist, however, with Pedro looking immediately at home within the Chelsea system and linking up particularly well with team mates Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas.

He had 56 touches during the game and was equally dangerous from the right wing -- where his width stretched the pitch for fellow attackers Hazard and Diego Costa -- as he was when provided the freedom to roam across the entire front line.

"He's (Pedro) fantastic," Fabregas told Sky Sports when asked about his compatriot.

"I knew straight away he would make an impact on this team because it was something we did not have.

"A pacy player that could go behind defenders, can dribble, can go one-against-one and stretches teams. I knew straight away the mentality of this guy is fantastic and I'm very happy for him."

Pedro was rather more inconspicuous during the second period, following the sending off of captain John Terry, but had provided ample proof in the first 45 minutes that he could be an important jewel in Chelsea's attacking crown.

Aleksandar Kolarov of Manchester City celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the campaign against previously unbeaten Everton at Goodison Park to move top of the table on nine points ahead of Leicester City and Manchester United who have seven after three games.

City defender Aleksandar Kolarov opened the scoring on the hour before substitute Samir Nasri collected a deft pass from Yaya Toure to clip a sublime finish past goalkeeper Tim Howard in the 88th.

Southampton, yet to win this season, were held to a goalless draw at promoted Watford, who have now drawn all three matches since returning to the top flight this season.

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Source: REUTERS
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