Rogers hails Chelsea striker Joao Pedro as second only to Haaland in Premier League scoring

Morgan Rogers has credited Joao Pedro’s obsessive focus on goal-scoring for his blistering start to the Premier League season, with the Chelsea striker’s five goals in six matches placing him behind only Erling Haaland in the division’s scoring charts.

Pedro’s form has been central to Chelsea’s rise to fourth place in Alonso’s debut campaign, and Rogers — who joined from Aston Villa in a £117 million deal this summer — was effusive about what makes his new teammate so effective.

“I think his hunger to score goals, his hunger to work for the team is massive,” Rogers said. “Especially for me, where I play on the pitch, it really helps me loads. He always gives me an option. I can always play off him, and he can play off me, too.”

Rogers highlighted that Pedro’s contribution extends well beyond his goal tally. “He works so hard as well. The relentless running in the channel and working defensively as well for the team. A lot of his focus is also on getting goals, being in the box. He’s worked on it in training about arriving, getting in the box and scoring goals and he’s been doing that every game since I’ve been here. He’s on the top of his game right now and it’s really good for Chelsea that he is.”

Rogers himself has settled quickly at Stamford Bridge, contributing four goals and one assist in the league since his British-record move. The England international said the environment Alonso has created has been key to his confidence.

“I’m feeling really good when I go out there, feeling really confident,” he said. “The players and the staff allow me to be me, which is the most important thing, and I can just play my game and focus on that. I’ve still got improvements that I want to make in my game, but I’m happy with the start.”

Rogers acknowledged the challenge of winning over a new fanbase and dressing room, but suggested the early signs are encouraging. “It’s a long project and it’s going in the right direction.”

Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday before travelling to Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup the following week.