Former Tottenham Hotspur player Darren Bent has singled out Joao Pedro for praise following Chelsea’s 4-3 victory over Brighton.
Bent said the Brazilian forward was the best player on the pitch “by a distance”.
Chelsea appeared to be on course for a straightforward win after Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and Pedro all found the net within the opening 32 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
However, the visitors pulled one back through Malick Yalcouye in the 60th minute before former Brighton player Pedro inadvertently scored an own goal three minutes later to further reduce the deficit.
Xabi Alonso’s side regrouped, and a remarkable individual effort from Cole Palmer restored the hosts’ two-goal advantage with 16 minutes of normal time remaining.
Pascal Gross’ deflected effort deep into stoppage time ultimately proved a mere consolation for the Seagulls as Chelsea held firm to preserve their perfect Premier League record after two matches.
The result propelled the Blues to third place, behind newly promoted Hull City and league leaders Manchester City on goal difference.
Reviewing Pedro’s 32nd-minute goal on Sky Sports, former England and Tottenham striker Bent said: “A really good finish.
“Morgan Rogers was pivotal in the play, initiating the move, followed by Hato’s impressive run.
“It’s the first touch out of his feet that sets it up, then he places it back across the goalkeeper.
“Joao Pedro was the best player on the pitch, by a distance.
“The touch out of his feet opens up the entire goal, going back across the goalkeeper… it’s an exceptionally good finish.”
Regarding Pedro’s goal, Bent added: “Absolutely remarkable. Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro were key players in that moment.
“It’s the subtle touches from Joao Pedro, and when he drives into this position, there’s only one possible outcome.
“He could have passed it to the left, but he opts not to. The power and precision he achieves are impressive.
“It’s a great run, the turn of pace, that little drive into space… he opens up his body and it’s a fantastic finish.
“[Bart] Verbruggen was absolutely nowhere near it. Fantastic finish.”
EPL: Darren Bent names best Chelsea player after 4-3 win over Brighton