Joao Pedro admits Chelsea should have killed Brighton game earlier

Joao Pedro believes Chelsea should have put Brighton away much earlier despite eventually securing a dramatic 4-3 victory at Stamford Bridge.

The former Brighton forward was heavily involved against his old club, scoring for Chelsea and later being credited with an unfortunate own goal as the visitors threatened a comeback.

Chelsea had raced into a commanding 3-0 lead around the half-hour mark, but Joao Pedro admitted allowing Brighton back into the contest gave his former side the confidence to make the closing stages far more uncomfortable.

Chelsea's attacking start appeared to have put them firmly in control, but Brighton's response changed the complexion of the match.

“I think we started really well and got ourselves into a very commanding position,” Joao Pedro said.

“Once we conceded a goal though it brought Brighton back into it.”

The Brazilian believes Chelsea needed to manage the game more effectively after establishing such a significant advantage.

“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.”

Joao Pedro also missed a major opportunity that could have made Chelsea's position even more comfortable.

There was additional attention on Joao Pedro because of his Brighton connections.

The 24-year-old was given a difficult reception by the travelling supporters but responded by celebrating his goal in front of the away section. He later posted footage of the moment on social media.

On the pitch, he felt Chelsea's speed in transition caused significant problems for Brighton.

“I knew I could be dangerous on the counter and when we turned over possession,” he explained.

“We felt that we could show a little bit of speed up front and we utilised that well.”

His performance contributed to another encouraging attacking display from Xabi Alonso's side during their strong opening to the campaign.

Joao Pedro is also increasingly confident about Chelsea's attacking chemistry alongside Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

“I think up front we are very strong,” he said. “Myself, Cole and Morgan are linking up well.”

That developing relationship gives Alonso an exciting attacking platform, but Joao Pedro believes Chelsea's strength extends throughout the squad.

He highlighted the depth available in each position while stressing that confidence and togetherness now need to develop alongside their results.

Chelsea have made an impressive start, but the Brighton game also provided a warning. Their attacking quality was sufficient to establish a three-goal advantage, yet their inability to completely control the contest almost allowed Brighton to rescue something from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea can take encouragement from another dangerous attacking performance, particularly the growing understanding between Joao Pedro, Palmer and Rogers.

However, Joao Pedro's comments underline the next step for Alonso's side: maintaining control after taking commanding leads rather than giving opponents the belief that they can fight their way back into matches.