We had to wait almost six months for Pulisic’s first start since New Year’s Day, which was just his second start since mid-December, nearly 20 games ago. It’s safe to say it was worth the wait: his fifth Man of the Match award, tied with Mateo Kovačić for the most in the season.
Despite that delay, his goal set a new career record for the 21-year-old: his seventh in the league (already three more than ever in a Bundesliga season) and 8 overall (one better than the season). passed at Borussia Dortmund)
And it’s just beginning!
There was a time when Christensen was in Pulisic’s shoes, with all eyes on him to make the expected impact despite age or circumstances. Now 24 and approaching 100 Chelsea appearances that haven’t really been recorded under the previous N54 narration, Christensen doesn’t really have the luxury of a built-in excuse. But if you play like you did in this one, you won’t need any.
At the opposite end of the spectrum of age and experience we have Willian, who is leaving in August, but remains a crucial cog in Frank Lampard’s tactical and motivational schemes.
vs. City of Manchester (PL, H, W 2-1)
EXCEPTIONAL (9.0+): Pulisic (9.0)
EXCELLENT (8.0-8.9): –
GOOD (7.0-7.9): Christensen (7.8), Willian (7.4), Azpilicueta (7.2), Mount (7.2), Rüdiger (7.1), Kanté (7.0)
AVERAGE (6.0-6.9): Alonso (6.5), Arrizabalaga (6.5), Gilmour (6.5, sub), Abraham (6.5, sub), Barkley (6.3), Kovačić (6.3, sub), Giroud (6.2), Pedro (6.1, sub)
POOR (5.0-5.9): –
BAD (4.0-4.9): –
TERRIBLE (3.0-3.9): –
