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?

The new Premier League season has kicked off, and all eyes at Chelsea are on one new signing: Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward took just 31 seconds to score his first goal of the campaign, giving the Blues a dream start. However, his shirt number has changed from 20 to 9, evoking the infamous 'number nine curse' at Chelsea. The 'number nine curse' refers to the recent trend of Chelsea players wearing the number 9 shirt underperforming, from Fernando Torres to Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku, all of whom struggled. Fans joke that the number is cursed, and now Joao Pedro has taken on the hot potato. Can he break the curse? Last season, Joao Pedro wore the number 20 shirt and scored 20 league goals for Brighton, showcasing remarkable scoring efficiency. His pace, dribbling, and finishing are top-notch, especially in counter-attacks. Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has high hopes for him, seeing him as the solution to the team's attacking woes. In the opening match, Joao Pedro's goal came so quickly that it seemed to declare: the curse doesn't exist for me. His movement was sharp, his instincts keen, as he calmly slotted the ball into the far corner after a through ball. The goal not only gave Chelsea the lead but also gave fans hope. However, one match's brilliance is not enough to prove everything. The 'number nine curse' is not unfounded; it reflects a mismatch between the team's tactics and the player's style. Joao Pedro needs to maintain consistency, adapt to the high intensity of the Premier League, and integrate into Pochettino's system. Whether he can be the long-term answer up front remains to be seen. Statistically, of Joao Pedro's 20 goals last season, 12 came from open play, 5 from penalties, and 3 from set pieces. His scoring methods are diverse, capable of poaching and long-range strikes, making him harder to defend. Additionally, his assist record is impressive, with 8 assists last season, indicating he is not just a finisher but a forward who can link up play. Chelsea fans have high expectations for Joao Pedro, with some already calling him the 'new Drogba' on social media. But sensible fans know that Drogba is a legend, while Joao Pedro is just starting out. He needs to stay humble, work hard, and earn respect with goals. The upcoming fixtures are tough for Chelsea, with matches against Manchester City and Liverpool. Whether Joao Pedro can prove himself in these big games will be key to breaking the curse. If he scores 20 or more goals by the end of the season, the 'number nine curse' will be history. Let's wait and see.

Is Joao Pedro ready to break Chelsea's so-called number nine curse?

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