Joao Pedro is aiming to become the first Chelsea striker since Diego Costa to score 20 or more goals in a season. The Brazil international scored a hat-trick in Wednesday's 4-1 win at Aston Villa to move on to 17 goals this season, with nine league matches – and at least 12 fixtures in total – still to come for Chelsea.

It has taken nine years, but Chelsea look 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.

Few strikers in modern football were as relentless as Diego Costa. During his peak years at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone, he became one of the most feared forwards in La Liga. Aggressive,…

It has taken nine years, but 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.

It has taken nine years, but Chelsea look 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.

Few players embodied intensity quite like Diego Costa during his peak years in Spanish football. The former Atletico Madrid striker built a reputation not just for scoring goals, but for thriving in…

It has taken nine years, but Chelsea look 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.

It has taken nine years, but Chelsea look 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.

Former Atletico Madrid striker speaks on hunger, struggle and refereeing rowDiego Costa explains his decision to retire and reveals emotional stories from his careerFormer Atletico Madrid striker…