Joao Pedro was visibly dejected after Chelsea’s latest defeat, and his words carried the weight of a team searching for answers. The forward, who scored a late consolation goal in the 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, admitted that an early goal once again cost his side—but he couldn’t explain why Chelsea keep starting games so poorly.

“From the beginning, we conceded too early. Against Nottingham Forest, it is always difficult to change the game,” Pedro told Sky Sports after the match. “We need to find a way not to make these mistakes every game. This is the Premier League. If you concede too early, it is very difficult to come back.”

It was a familiar story for the Blues, who have now struggled to find their rhythm in the opening minutes of matches. Just two weeks ago, a similar early collapse against Brighton left fans frustrated. When asked what’s behind this recurring issue, Pedro had no clear answer: “Everyone needs to look to themselves—me included. We need to find a way to do better. I feel sorry for the fans. From tomorrow, we need to see what we can improve.”

Despite the defeat, Pedro was one of the few bright spots for Chelsea, showing fight until the final whistle. His late goal was a small reward for the loyal supporters who stayed until the bitter end at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back, criticizing Chelsea’s overall project but noting that it’s “good for football” to see the struggles of a big club.

For Chelsea fans, the question remains: can this squad find the consistency needed to compete? As Pedro’s words suggest, the answers must come from within the dressing room—and quickly.