Chelsea appear to have found a striker in Joao Pedro capable of leading the line in the way Diego Costa did during the 2016–17 title‑winning season.

The 24-year-old’s hat‑trick away to rivals Aston Villa may only have provided a boost in the race for Champions League qualification, but it came in a match Chelsea had gone into with head coach Liam Rosenior speaking of time “running out” for their hopes.

It was an exceptional, all‑action display from a forward now on 17 goals in all competitions, with 14 of them non‑penalty strikes in the Premier League alongside seven league assists.

Only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has more non‑penalty goals in the league this season.