Joao Pedro on his first Chelsea hat-trick: ‘I’m living my dream!’

It was a night at Villa Park that the 24-year-old will long remember. His first Chelsea treble showcased not only his clinical finishing but also the understanding that he forged with his Blues team-mates during his maiden campaign as a Blue.

After the home side had established an early lead, Joao Pedro took the wind out of their sails with the close-range equaliser before sending us into the interval ahead with a dinked finish over the home side's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez.

It was more of the same in the second half as, after Cole Palmer had scored our third of the evening, the Brazil international tapped home Alejandro Garnacho’s squared pass to make it 4-1, securing all three points.

Having arrived in English football as a teenager, and after playing for both Watford and Brighton and Hove Albion, Joao Pedro has worked hard to get to Chelsea. It's why his performances, goals and the memories he is creating are special.

‘It was a dream night for me,’ he said. 'Since I joined Chelsea, I’ve been dreaming of these moments to play for a big team and get my hat-trick – and I think it was a perfect night to get my first hat-trick.

‘We just need to keep moving forward. I’m just living my dream here. I’m very grateful to everyone who has helped me on my journey.’

When reflecting on the Blues' performance, Joao Pedro praised his team-mates for helping him become only the eighth Brazilian player to score a Premier League hat-trick.

‘I think everyone was perfect,’ he continued. ‘When the team plays like this, I will get chances. I think everyone was top. It was a special day – everyone did a brilliant job. We still have nine games to look forward to and fight to be in the top four.

‘All my goals came from being in the right place at the right time. The team expects that from me. The goals were always important.’

The forward was also pleased to celebrate his hat-trick in front of the travelling away supporters, and thanked Blues captain Reece James for inspiring his celebration.

‘I did a bit of Samba in front of the fans!’ Joao Pedro joked. ‘Reece told me to because today was a special day!’

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