Christian Pulisic didn’t start for Chelsea on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, but it didn’t stop him from making an impact against Burnley.
Pulisic came off the bench and assisted on Chelsea’s second goal in a 2-0 victory over the Clarets. It was Pulisic’s first league assist of the season, which helped the Blues hand Thomas Tuchel his first managerial win in charge.
The U.S. Men’s National Team winger replaced Tammy Abraham at halftime and was lively in his 45-minute performance. Prior to his assist, Pulisic came close to scoring while also continuing to connect with his attacking teammates.
In the 84th minute, Pulisic connected with Marcos Alonso on the left side of the pitch before Alonso did the rest to ice three points for the hosts. Alonso’s wicked shot from close-range left Nick Pope speechless and capped off a good performance at home for the Blues.
⚽ Marcos Alonso
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— Premier League Goal (@_EPLGOAL) January 31, 2021
Pulisic also made two recoveries, completed one dribble, and earned one foul from his wide position. It was a strong appearance off the bench for Pulisic, who has yet to start under his former Borussia Dortmund manager.
The 22-year-old will now aim to have a similar impact this week as Chelsea faces London rivals Tottenham.
Keep in mind guys that Chelsea will be playing Tottenham in 4 days. Given Pulisic’s recurring muscle injury history, I would have tried to keep him as fresh and hungry as possible if I were Tuchel.
@simon: Yeah- good point. Didn’t realize it was that quick. Makes sense that he could be saving him for the more competitive match and may well get the start there and is going to break out in the next couple weeks.
Who knows his plans. But- Initial plans and preconceived notions only carry so much weight. Performance trumps everything. Tuchel wants to win. Pulisic keeps performing like he did today and there will be little choice but to start him
Tuchel stated that he knows what Pulisic can give him, and he wants to see where everyone else stands. I think he has specific plans for Pulisic, but is putting him in to get him time atm, while he evaluates everyone else.
Im more concerned that the new coach, has not started him in two games now. He knows Christian well from having coached him before and it worries me that he’s not starting. Hope this changes soon
Share your concern. But i like where CP was positioned today. Pinching centrally, not so isolated on wing. I think if he continues to be deployed that way, he’ll get chances to shine. b) its CPs time to prove hes bonafide starting 11 again. His form has been decent but i think held back a bit by Lampards tactics and also has injury still in the back of his mind. Feel like we havent seen that last gear yet this season. Its coming.