Fulham vs Chelsea: Joao Pedro Sets Record Just 31 Seconds After Wearing No.9 Jersey
- Joao Pedro netted for Chelsea just 31 seconds into their Premier League opener against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, August 24
- According to Opta, the Brazilian's strike is the quickest goal ever recorded on matchday one of a Premier League season
- Pedro's record-breaking moment arrived on his debut wearing Chelsea's notoriously ill-fated No. 9 shirt
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Joao Pedro has broken a Premier League record, scoring just 31 seconds into Chelsea's opening fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Brazilian forward, sent through on goal by Cole Palmer, coolly dinked the ball over goalkeeper Bernd Leno to hand Chelsea an early advantage and announce the Xabi Alonso era in emphatic fashion.
Source: Getty Images
Joao Pedro makes Premier League history
Opta confirmed that the goal, timed at 31 seconds, is the earliest ever scored on matchday one of a Premier League season, placing Pedro immediately in the record books.
The strike carried extra significance given the circumstances. The 24-year-old had taken on Chelsea's No. 9 shirt ahead of the new campaign, a jersey widely considered cursed among the club's supporters.
Watch Pedro's record-breaking goal, as shared on X:
Several forwards have struggled to justify the number since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wore it with distinction.
Fernando Torres arrived for a British-record fee and endured a torrid spell in front of goal, while Liam Delap managed just one Premier League goal in 28 appearances last season after registering 12 for Ipswich the campaign prior.
Fans react to Pedro's record-breaking goal
Supporters reacted to his historic goal with enthusiasm on social media.
@Rock_steady03 wrote:
"This JP guy will embarrass that no. 9 curse."
@cfcSOM added:
"We're goin for the golden boot."
@Markest1746021 simply called him:
"Star boy!"
@its_ramzy said:
"This brudda is on fire and gonna be impactful this season for Chelsea."
With a record already to his name and the weight of a supposed curse apparently lifted, Pedro has given Chelsea fans considerable optimism about what the season ahead may hold.
Pedro's willingness to embrace the shirt appears to have been matched by his form.
Before the Fulham match, the former Brighton attacker had scored seven goals and contributed one assist across five pre-season fixtures, establishing himself as one of the standout performers in Chelsea's pre-season.
According to ESPN, Chelsea have since rewarded him with a new contract extending to June 2032, with the option of a further extension.
Stamford Bridge to host Champions League football
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge will host Champions League matches during the 2026/27 season despite the Blues missing out on the competition.
Chelsea will have no European football of their own after finishing 10th in the Premier League last season.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
