Christian Pulisic returned to English Premier League side Chelsea injury-free and would up playing a key role in the club’s road win over Leicester City on Saturday.
Pulisic delivered the final dagger in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side, coming off the bench to score in his first match back from U.S. men’s national team duty. It was a lively substitute appearance from the 23-year-old, who came close to scoring prior to his goal in the second-half.
The Blues raced out to a 2-0 first-half lead thanks to goals from Antonio Rudiger and N’Golo Kante, providing Thomas Tuchel’s side even more freedom to attack after halftime. Pulisic was subbed onto the field in the 62nd minute, and didn’t have to wait long to team up with fellow substitute Hakim Ziyech.
Ziyech dribbled his way into the box from the right wing and laid off a pass to the streaking Pulisic. The USMNT star provided the final touch past Kasper Schmeichel, before celebrating with his teammates as Chelsea walked away with a ninth league victory of the season.
Pulisic also had one assist and a second goal waived off due to offsides from his teammates, taking away what could’ve been an even more special afternoon for the returning attacking player. Chelsea overall had three goals waived off in the second-half due to offsides, letting the Foxes off the hook from an even-worse defeat at the King Power Stadium.
Chelsea returns to Champions League play on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge against Juventus, looking to exact revenge for a Matchday 2 loss in Turin.