Joao Pedro scores quick goal in Chelsea's win against Fulham
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 5:46 AM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
Joao Pedro scored just 31 seconds into the match, helping Chelsea to a 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. The match marked the debut of manager Xabi Alonso. Pedro, who recently received the number nine shirt and a new contract until 2034, aims to replicate the 20 goals he scored last season. Chelsea supporters have long speculated about the so-called curse of the number nine shirt, which has seen many prolific strikers struggle since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's departure in 2004. Pedro dismissed the notion of a curse after his goal, expressing confidence in his ability to thrive in this role.
- •Joao Pedro scored 31 seconds into the match against Fulham.
- •Chelsea won 3-2, marking Xabi Alonso's managerial debut.
- •Pedro aims to match or exceed last season's 20 goals.
- •The number nine shirt has a troubled history at Chelsea.
- •Pedro dismissed the notion of a curse on the number nine shirt.
- 5:46 AMYahoo Sports — Is Joao Pedro ready to break Chelsea's so-called number nine curse?
- 5:41 AMBBC Sport — Is Joao Pedro ready to break Chelsea's so-called number nine curse?
"Joao Pedro took just 31 seconds to score his opening goal of the season - will the new number nine reach the 20 he scored last season while wearing the number 20 shirt?
"Joao Pedro took just 31 seconds to score his opening goal of the season - will the new number nine reach the 20 he scored last season while wearing the number 20 shirt?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 5:46 AMIs Joao Pedro ready to break Chelsea's so-called number nine curse?
Joao Pedro took just 31 seconds to score his opening goal of the season - will the new number nine reach the 20 he scored last season while wearing the number 20 shirt?
- BBC SportAug 26, 2026, 5:41 AMIs Joao Pedro ready to break Chelsea's so-called number nine curse?
Joao Pedro took just 31 seconds to score his opening goal of the season - will the new number nine reach the 20 he scored last season while wearing the number 20 shirt?
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