Chelsea FC striker João Pedro netted his first London Premier League hat-trick to help his team to a solid 4-1 win against Aston Villa FC at Villa Park, thereby increasing the Blues’ realistic aspirations of qualifying for the next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Villa set the tone for a perfect start by going ahead in just three minutes through a goal by Douglas Luiz, who backheeled Leon Bailey’s cross into the net. Nevertheless, Chelsea replied promptly and found their equaliser through Pedro, who finished off Malo Gusto’s low cross with a slide.
Villa were still in the game and could have scored the second just before the break as Ollie Watkins calmly finished, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Minutes later, Chelsea made Villa pay for their luck as Pedro delicately chipped Emiliano Martínez to put the Blues ahead on the stroke of half-time.
Early in the second half, Chelsea made it 3-1 after Cole Palmer reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box. After a wonderful team play, Pedro sealed his hat-trick by meeting a fine pass from Alejandro Garnacho with a close-range finish.
On the other hand, Arsenal FC consolidated its hold on the top spot with a tight 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion FC. Bukayo Saka netted the lone goal, while a goal-line clearance by Gabriel Magalhães was also crucial in the Gunners being seven points clear at the top. Struggling title contenders Manchester City FC fell even further behind after a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest FC, with goals by Antoine Semenyo and Rodri.
In other matches, Newcastle United FC came from behind to beat Manchester United FC 2- 1, and William Osula netted a stunning last-minute winner that handed Michael Carrick his first defeat as United manager.
