The Blues forward was in top form as Chelsea made a big stride towards Champions League football next season
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro described his performance as a “dream night” after scoring a hat trick in the 4-1 win over Aston Villa that strengthened the Blues’ push for Champions League qualification.
The Brazilian forward struck three times in the Premier League clash on Wednesday, delivering his first hat-trick for the club and helping the visitors secure a valuable three points.
The result moved Chelsea into fifth place in the table, just three points behind Villa, whose recent form has begun to slip.
Pedro has become increasingly influential under head coach Liam Rosenior, with the 23-year-old now scoring eight of his 14 league goals across the last eight matches.
Reflecting on his standout display, Pedro said the moment was one he had been waiting for since arriving at the club.
“I think it was another dream night for me. Since I joined here I have been waiting for this moment, playing for a big team to get my hat trick.
“I think it was a perfect night to get my first hat trick with Chelsea. I just need to look forward and get more. I think everyone was perfect, when the team plays like this I will get chances.
“Everyone was top and we need to continue like this. It was a special day for everyone. We still have nine games to fight and to be in the top four.”
While Chelsea celebrated, Villa manager Unai Emery admitted his side must use the upcoming break to regroup after a difficult run of results.
Villa have now won only one of their last six league matches and will not return to action until their Europa League last-16 clash against Lille next week.
“We have to work and to recover and to remind ourselves about things tactically,” Emery said.
“We will analyse the match, sure, because I am not now clear about how we conceded the goals, but we can’t concede football like we did today.
“And with the days we are going to have until the next match, which is next Thursday in Lille, we are going to work at it. Of course, we can have some days to add work that maybe we didn’t do before.”