Tag: Moisés Caicedo

Pedro ends drought; promises Caicedo dinner after winner

João Pedro (Chelsea)
November 2025

Chelsea beat Spurs 1-0 as João Pedro finally snapped a nine-game drought, converting after Caicedo won possession and slipped him through. Guglielmo Vicario denied Pedro three times earlier. The result lifted Chelsea to fifth and underlined Enzo Maresca’s emphasis on pressing triggers and vertical combinations. Caicedo’s regain set the platform; Chelsea’s counter-press funneled Spurs into risky central lanes. Wide rotations created the decisive pocket. Game state control improved after the goal, though chance conversion remains a concern. Pedro’s movement between center-backs is trending up; sustaining output will hinge on service quality and minutes continuity.

Chelsea’s Essugo out three months after surgery

Dário Essugo (Chelsea/Portugal U21)
September 2025

Summer signing Dário Essugo sustained a thigh injury with Portugal U21s and has undergone surgery. He’s expected out roughly three months, potentially into early 2026, after three Club World Cup appearances since his £18.5m move from Sporting. Essugo was intended cover to ease Moisés Caicedo’s workload. Enzo Maresca must now redistribute minutes—think Gallagher deeper, Lavia ramp-up, or academy promotion—while January midfield planning gains urgency if setbacks occur. Squad balance takes a short-term hit.

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