Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 21.
Player analysis - Joao Pedro
Brighton & Hove Albion’s recruitment has been lavished with praise in recent years, and summer signing Joao Pedro is proof they continue to acquire excellent players.
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The 22-year-old Brazilian has scored 15 goals for the Seagulls in all competitions so far this season, including seven in the Premier League.
Offering quality all-round play as a central striker or left-sided forward, the ex-Watford star has often kept teenage prodigy Evan Ferguson out of the starting XI.
Roberto De Zerbi, who recently revealed Joao Pedro was a club signing rather than his own selection, has clearly been won over by the talented youngster.
Difficult to mark
The Brighton No 9 is a handful for defenders, moving across the forward line and dropping into deeper areas throughout the 90 minutes.
His ability to interchange with others is just one of the reasons why he suits De Zerbi’s style of play so well.
His touch map from the recent 4-2 home win over Tottenham Hotspur is a good representation of how varied his movement is.
Skilful, quick and composed, Joao Pedro is particularly good at finding his way into the penalty area, often with the ball glued to his foot.
He touches the ball inside the opposition box more often per 90 minutes than all but two other Premier League players.
Most touches in opp. box per 90*
| Player | Touches in box/90 |
|---|---|
| Alejandro Garnacho | 9.50 |
| Raheem Sterling | 8.94 |
| Joao Pedro | 8.92 |
| Darwin Nunez | 8.85 |
| Gabriel Martinelli | 8.66 |
*Min. 1,000 minutes played
Joao Pedro v Ferguson
Ferguson is an outstanding prospect who looks set to enjoy a long and illustrious career at the top of the game.
However, in the here and now, the Irishman's team-mate is matching his finishing prowess, and crucially bringing more to the table aside from goals.
Joao Pedro is involved in build-up play with far greater regularity, carries the ball like a winger and is also a better presser without the ball.
These stats below show why De Zerbi does not feel he has to rely on 19-year-old Ferguson week-in, week-out from the start.
Joao Pedro gets into dangerous positions more often and is marginally more clinical with his efforts on goal. However, in open play Ferguson has scored double the number of goals.
Joao Pedro v Ferguson shooting stats 2023/24
| Joao Pedro | Evan Ferguson | |
| Minutes | 1,140 | 962 |
| Goals | 7 | 6 |
| Non-penalty goals | 3 | 6 |
| Shots on target | 16 | 16 |
| Conversion rate | 29.3% | 25.0% |
| Touches in opp. box | 113 | 37 |
When you look at the work that goes on outside the box, both in and out of possession, it is clear the more-experienced Joao Pedro contributes more than Ferguson in several departments.
This is likely to have a strong bearing on De Zerbi's team selection.
Joao Pedro v Ferguson attacking stats 23/24
| Statistic | Joao Pedro | Evan Ferguson |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes played | 1,140 | 962 |
| Touches | 728 | 365 |
| Succ. passes | 335 | 173 |
| Passes played into box | 41 | 8 |
| Open-play chances created | 18 | 5 |
| Completed dribbles | 20 | 5 |
| Aerial duels won | 29 | 9 |
| Poss. won in final third | 13 | 3 |
| Poss. won | 39 | 14 |
A good example of Joao Pedro’s value to this Brighton side was his brilliant assist for Jack Hinshelwood against Spurs.
After picking the ball up by the left touchline, he weaved his way past four defenders before sliding a perfect pass into the feet of the Seagulls youngster.
Joao Pedro is a talented forward who can make things happen out of nowhere.
Clinical from the spot
One other aspect of Joao Pedro’s game that sets him apart from others is how exceptional he is at penalties.
He has scored eight out of eight spot-kicks in all competitions this season, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from his last seven penalties.
His coolness in those pressure situations has been invaluable since he made the move up from the Championship, and he can be a key figure against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
Also on this series
Part 2: How Elliott can step up and shine in Salah's absence
Part 3: Can Arteta reignite misfiring Arsenal attack?
Part 4: Why Toney is so important to the success of Brentford