The Brazilian forward was directly involved in Chelsea’s attacking display and was singled out by Bent as the standout player on the pitch, with the former striker declaring that Pedro was the best performer “by a distance”.
Chelsea appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory after Romeo Lavia and Pedro Neto found the net before Pedro added a third in the 32nd minute.
The game, however, took a dramatic turn after Brighton mounted a second-half comeback.
Malick Yalcouye pulled one goal back for the visitors in the 60th minute before Pedro, facing his former club, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net just three minutes later.
With Brighton threatening to complete an unlikely comeback, Chelsea regained control when Cole Palmer produced a brilliant individual effort to restore the home side’s two-goal advantage with 16 minutes of normal time remaining.
Pascal Gross gave Brighton fresh hope with a deflected effort deep into stoppage time, but Chelsea held firm to secure all three points and maintain their perfect Premier League record after two matches.
The victory moved Chelsea into third place in the early Premier League standings, behind newly promoted Hull City and leaders Manchester City on goal difference.
Bent Impressed by Pedro’s Finishing
Reviewing Pedro’s 32nd-minute goal on Sky Sports, Bent praised the forward’s movement, first touch and composure in front of goal.
“A really good finish.
“Morgan Rogers was pivotal in the play, initiating the move, followed by Hato’s impressive run.
“It’s the first touch out of his feet that sets it up, then he places it back across the goalkeeper.
“Joao Pedro was the best player on the pitch, by a distance.
“The touch out of his feet opens up the entire goal, going back across the goalkeeper… it’s an exceptionally good finish.”
Pedro’s contribution was not limited to his goal, with his movement and ability to carry the ball helping Chelsea create problems for Brighton’s defence throughout the contest.
Bent was equally impressed by another attacking sequence involving Pedro, highlighting the Brazilian’s decision-making and ability to create shooting opportunities for himself.
‘Absolutely Remarkable’
Discussing the move, Bent again singled out Pedro and Morgan Rogers for their roles in creating the opportunity.
“Absolutely remarkable. Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro were key players in that moment.
“It’s the subtle touches from Joao Pedro, and when he drives into this position, there’s only one possible outcome.
“He could have passed it to the left, but he opts not to. The power and precision he achieves are impressive.
“It’s a great run, the turn of pace, that little drive into space… he opens up his body and it’s a fantastic finish.
“[Bart] Verbruggen was absolutely nowhere near it. Fantastic finish.”
The victory will provide further encouragement for Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, whose side have made a perfect start to their Premier League campaign.
For Pedro, meanwhile, the performance offers an early indication of his importance to Chelsea’s attacking plans. His finishing, movement and ability to operate under pressure were central to a dramatic night at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Brighton’s late fightback, Chelsea held on for victory — and Bent’s assessment underlined just how influential Pedro was in helping the Blues claim another three points.