Christian Pulisic had his run of three-straight Premier League games with a goal snapped on Saturday against Manchester City. So on Wednesday he started a new streak, this time scoring in the Champions League — with some help from the VAR.
Pulisic scored his third career Champions League goal to help Chelsea earn a 2-2 draw against Valencia on Wednesday at the Mestalla.
Manchester City defeated Chelsea 2-1 on Saturday in an enthralling Premier League match that was ultimately decided by City’s midfield quality. While Jorginho failed to exert his influence for 74 minutes on the pitch, City showcased its style with commanding displays from Kevin De Bruyne, Rodrigo and deputizing center back Fernandinho.
Charged with shutting down one of the Premier League’s hottest strikers — Tammy Abraham entered the match with 10 goals and two assists in 11 games — it’s difficult to explain just how good the 34-year-old Brazilian is at reading the game.
Christian Pulisic has scored yet again. *Insert hyperbole here about the young American while ignoring the fact he barely played at the start of the season and up-and-down performances are all just a part of the process for young players.*
What is worrying, however, is the injury sustained as Pulisic scored on Saturday.
There’s something about Ajax playing against London clubs that makes for can’t-miss television. Whether it’s Tottenham’s remarkable last-gasp win in the Champions League semifinals last season or Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic teeing up Michy Batshuayi late in the group stage a couple weeks ago, Ajax has provided English fans with more than a few memorable moments.
If you’re a goalie, the only thing worse than giving up an Olimpico goal is giving up a goal that deflects off of you and into the back of the net. Kepa Arrizabalaga got to experience both on this Hakim Ziyech goal vs Chelsea on Tuesday.
After a stupid foul by Chelsea in the corner in the 35th minute, Ziyech curled in a beauty over the stretched arms of Kepa. The ball struck the post before bouncing off Kepa’s nose for an embarrassing own goal, giving Ajax a 3-1 lead at halftime of their Champions League match. Technically it was an own goal, but we think Ziyech deserves credit.
Christian Pulisic finally opened his Premier League account last week with a perfect hat trick against Burnley in his seventh league appearance with Chelsea. He couldn’t wait to add to it on Saturday.
After being denied by a ridiculous save in the first half, Pulisic made no mistake in the second, netting the winner in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.
An hour into Christian Pulisic’s first Premier League start since August, Chelsea fans in the away end at Turf Moor were chanting “USA! USA! USA!” That’s what happens when you become the second American to score an EPL hat trick.
Christian Pulisic hadn’t started a Premier League match since August and many stateside started to wonder why Frank Lampard hates America. Well, Lampard has seen the light shining sea to shining sea and was rewarded with a brilliant Pulisic goal vs Burnley on Saturday. The 21-year-old American added a second as Chelsea led 2-0 at halftime.
In a very defensive Champions League matchup, Chelsea handed Ajax its first loss of the season in all competitions.
Michy Batshuayi subbed in for forward Tammy Abraham in the 71st minute and he did not waste time attempting to get on the board. After receiving a tipped pass in prime position in front of the box, the Belgian sent the ball into the nosebleeds.
Fifteen minutes later, with a little help from fellow sub Christian Pulisic, he had a chance at redemption.
One can never presume to know what goes through the minds of executives at networks like NBC, Fox, ESPN and TNT who decide which matches to show on TV.