Rogers praises 'hungry' Joao Pedro after Chelsea's 5-1 win

Morgan Rogers has credited Joao Pedro with being a key attacking partner at Chelsea, highlighting the Brazilian's relentless work rate and goal-scoring instinct after a 5-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth.

Joao Pedro, returning from injury, scored twice in the second half at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Jordan Henderson also netted a brace, and Rogers added a goal of his own to complete the emphatic victory.

The result took Joao Pedro to five goals in five Premier League appearances in 2026/27, putting him on course to surpass his tally of 15 in his debut Chelsea campaign.

"I think his hunger to score goals, his hunger to work for the team is massive," Rogers said. "Especially for me, where I play on the pitch, it really helps me loads. He always gives me an option. I can always play off him, he can play off me."

Rogers also underlined Joao Pedro's contribution beyond goalscoring. "He works so hard. The relentless running in the channel and working defensively as well for the team. He's on the top of his game right now and it's really good for Chelsea that he's doing so."

Cole Palmer played a significant role in both of Henderson's goals, with the attacking trio continuing to build chemistry early in the season. Chelsea have scored 23 goals in eight league games so far in 2026/27.

"As an attacking threat, it's not just us three either, but we're quite deadly in those situations," Rogers said. "It's about how often we can get in there, and it's still a work in progress. But when we do get there, we're quite confident in each other we're going to score."

Rogers himself has contributed four goals and four assists since joining Chelsea from Aston Villa in the summer, and attributed his quick adaptation to the environment at the club.

"The players and the staff allow me to be me, which is the most important thing, and I can just play my game and focus on that," he said. "It's a long project and it's going in the right direction."