Is Joao Pedro ready to break Chelsea's so-called number nine curse?
Joao Pedro took just 31 seconds to score his opening goal of the season - will the new number nine reach the 20 he scored last season while wearing the number 20 shirt?
Chelsea's number nine jersey has been associated with a curse, a superstition that has surrounded the club since several high-profile players have struggled to live up to expectations while wearing the iconic number. The latest player to don the shirt is Joao Pedro, who made an impressive start to the season by scoring within 31 seconds of his debut. This has sparked hope among fans that he might be the one to break the curse.
Pedro's goal-scoring record is certainly promising, having scored 20 goals last season while wearing the number 20 shirt. If he can replicate that form while wearing the number nine jersey, it could be a significant boost to Chelsea's title aspirations. The pressure is on, however, as several high-profile players have failed to make an impact while wearing the shirt. The club's history with the number nine jersey is well-documented, with players like Fernando Torres and Alvaro Morata struggling to justify the weight of expectation.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Joao Pedro to see if he can sustain his goal-scoring form and silence the critics who believe the number nine curse is real. With Chelsea looking to return to the top of English football, Pedro's performances will be crucial to the team's success. What to watch next is how Pedro adapts to the pressure and expectation that comes with wearing the number nine jersey, and whether he can maintain his impressive goal-scoring record throughout the season.
Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.