Chelsea forward Joao Pedro demands greater attention to detail after Hull draw

Joao Pedro has urged Chelsea to improve the finer points of their performance after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City in the Premier League.

Chelsea took the lead after only seven minutes following a fast start. Joao Pedro picked out Morgan Rogers on the edge of the penalty area, allowing the midfielder to finish and give the Blues an early advantage.

That lead did not last, however, as Hull regained control and scored twice to move in front. Joao Pedro brought Chelsea level with a powerful strike into the roof of the net, but the visitors were unable to complete the comeback and claim all three points.

The result has prompted Joao Pedro to call for a swift response as Chelsea look to avoid allowing further points to slip away.

“I think we started really well,” Pedro said. “We put pressure on them, we controlled the game, but we need to improve on the details because I think in the end, this point is very important for us.

“So we need to analyse and improve. We have to adapt quickly, as soon as possible, because we know how the Premier League is. If you drop points, in the end it will be difficult to recover.”

The Brazilian said Chelsea had anticipated Hull would become more defensive after taking the lead, while attempting to threaten on the counter-attack.

“We knew if they got in front they were going to sit at the back and wait for us to come and play for the counter-attack,” he said. “It was a tough game.

“In the end, we could get one point, but like I said, we need to improve and I think we’re going to improve soon.”

Joao Pedro has nevertheless enjoyed an impressive beginning to the campaign. He has scored three goals and provided three assists in four Premier League appearances, having also been named the division’s Player of the Month for August.

His combination with Cole Palmer and Rogers is continuing to develop. Palmer supplied the low cross from which Joao Pedro scored Chelsea’s second goal against Hull.

“When Cole passed to me I just tried to hit it on target and I was very happy to hit a good shot,” he said.

“I enjoy playing with Palmer and Rogers a lot because they are very good players and I know when we play close, we can be very dangerous. We showed that again. So I enjoy it a lot and hopefully we can continue to improve even more.”

Joao Pedro has also responded positively to Xabi Alonso’s comparison between him and former France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

“I think maybe the style, the way I play – I like to come deep and I like to link up with my team-mates,” he said. “But, of course, Benzema is on another level.

“I just try to enjoy every game and try to help my team with goals or assists. I’m in a very good moment and I’m very happy.”

Chelsea’s next opportunity to convert their improved attacking form into victory comes against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday.