The Blues' latest outing, against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge yesterday, proved a disappointing one as we fell to a 3-1 defeat. Joao Pedro scored our only goal of the contest – and it was an outstanding strike.

Three goals behind, two of which had been conceded in the opening 15 minutes, and with the game drifting to a conclusion, the 24-year-old controlled a Marc Cucurella header and produced an excellent overhead-kick that saw the ball whistle into the corner.

It was the Brazilian's 20th goal of his debut Chelsea campaign, but ultimately proved nothing more than a consolation as it was scored in the 93rd minute.

The manner of the defeat was in stark contrast to the weekend prior, in which we battled past Leeds United to earn a place in the FA Cup final. And Joao Pedro says the Blues must show signs of consistency in the games that remain this season.

‘We need to improve,’ he said. ‘Everyone needs to step up, me included. We always talk to each other to find a way to win games. Last week we beat Leeds, this week it didn’t happen. We need to find a way to be consistent.

‘I think the motivation is always there. We still need to fight for every point, every game, and in the end, we can see what we can achieve.’

Joao Pedro acknowledged that the two goals we conceded inside the opening 15 minutes against Forest made the game an uphill battle for the Blues. He accepts these are mistakes that must be rectified.

'From the beginning, we conceded too early, which made it really difficult to turn the game around,’ he continued. ‘We need to find a way not to make these mistakes every game.

‘This is the Premier League; if you concede very early, it’s difficult to come back. Everyone needs to look at themselves, me included, to find a way to do better. I feel sorry for the fans, and we need to see where we can improve.’

Although pleased to etch his name onto the scoresheet, the Brazil international explained that he would take the three points over a goal every time.

He added: ‘I just wanted to help my team, and it was a good goal, but if I could change that goal for three points, then I would be a lot happier now. It wasn’t good enough; we need to change the situation.’