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Head coach Fabian Hurzeler says Joao Pedro was a “role model” as captain for Brighton & Hove Albion in their 1-1 home draw with Arsenal.
Hurzeler handed the Brazilian forward the armband in the absence of long-serving captain Lewis Dunk, who had a calf injury. Joao Pedro equalised with a second half penalty at the Amex Stadium after he was caught on the head inside the box by William Saliba.
The 23-year-old has been involved in 10 goals across his last 13 Premier League appearances (five goals and fice assists), netting home and away against Arsenal in 1-1 draws this season.
Hurzeler told The Athletic: “He is already one of my leaders. He is in my leaders group. Therefore, I also treat him like a leader and I demand a lot from him.
“Today he was a role model in working against the ball, doing good counter-pressing, reacting well and supporting his team-mates. That is something I expect from him in every game. He has set high standards and I will judge him exactly after his behaviour today. He was a great leader.”
Since the start of last season, only Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer (12 each) have scored more goals from the penalty spot among Premier League players in all competitions than Joao Pedro. He is level with Erling Haaland on 11.
Brighton’s sixth draw in a winless run of eight games leaves them in 10th place in the Premier League table.
(Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
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