Micah Richards shares what he loved most about ‘sensational’ Joao Pedro vs Aston Villa, it wasn’t his hat-trick

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Credit: Imago, BBC Match of the Day Micah Richards shares what he loved most about ‘sensational’ Joao Pedro vs Aston Villa, it wasn’t his hat-trick Thu 5 March 2026 11:59, UK Micah Richards was full of praise for hat-trick hero Joao Pedro after Chelsea thumped Aston Villa on Wednesday night. The 24-year-old surged past Ezri Konsa to tap in Malo Gusto’s cross for his first, and did similarly to cap off his hat-trick in the second half.It was his second goal that stole the attention, however, with the Brazil international dinking a delightful chip over Emi Martinez to put Chelsea ahead before the break.Speaking about Pedro to BBC Match of the Day on Wednesday, Richards said: “He was absolutely sensational today.

“When you’re a defender, he’s very difficult. He always gets in between centre-halves, so when you’re a defender, you concentrate on the ball, he’s either in front of you or behind you and it’s intelligent play.”“Playing up against someone like him is so difficult,” he added.

“Technically he’s good, he’s good in the air, he’s fast enough and then that clever movement around you, it’s very difficult.”What Liam Rosenior said about ‘magnificent’ PedroThere was a period earlier in the season in which Pedro was being heavily criticised for his performances. “I think he’s growing in confidence.