In addition to winning the title for Liverpool, Chelsea strengthened our hopes for a top-four result with a crucial big win against Manchester City last night, reopening the five-point gap for Manchester United in fifth and closing the gap to third place Leicester. City just one point with seven games to go.
Chelsea’s tactics and performance were totally commendable and several impressive individual contributions ensured that the Blues took all three points. Man of the match Christian Pulisic, who opened the scoring with his second goal in as many games, was delighted to win, in what was technically our home reopening of the Premier League restart.
“The most important thing was that we got the three points we desperately needed today. We looked at this game against a great opponent and we wanted to win it. We were at home, obviously in slightly different circumstances, but we are happy that we went out and had a very good result.”
Pulisic’s goal was brilliant on many levels, from his anticipation and his speed to intercept the fumble, to his pace to pass the ghost beyond Ilkay Gundogan, if he was not an entity, to his trick to slow down and attract Benjamin. Mendy to an entry before lifting the ball and passing at another speed, to its precise end beyond the hasty Ederson in the goal of Manchester City.
Pulisic could have had a second opportunistic goal like that, but after rounding up the goalie, his shot was cleared from the line by a Kyle Walker slip in what was a pretty incredible goalline clearance.
Fortunately, Chelsea didn’t have to pay for that missed opportunity, unlike in several cases this season already, with Willian winning a winner from the spot after a Fernandinho decided to play handball on a shot by Tammy Abraham.
“We have to capitalize on opportunities like [the first goal]. I also had another one in the second half [which was cleared off the line by Kyle Walker] but I’m happy to help the team by scoring. We needed it and we are happy to get all three points.
“We get into the game with a really confident mindset to get out there and win. Obviously we want to end the season strongly, but we feel like we are capable of so much more, too.”
The 21-year-old now has 14 direct goal contributions (8 + 6) in just 19 starts and 6 substitute appearances (7 + 2 in 13 + 5 Premier League appearances) in his debut season in England, which has made him seen fighting annoying adductor injury as well that had sidelined him since the start of the new year. There is much more to come from him, and he believes there is also much more to come from the team, this season and beyond.
“The break was tough for many people, but I am very happy that we can go back and play soccer again. It is a little different without the fans, but we are very excited to be back there.”
“There are many games to play. We want to go as far as we can in the FA Cup and we want to continue to finish strong to be sure of a place in the Champions League. We have a lot to play for.”
-Christ Pulisic; source: Chelsea FC
So say all.
Or as Christian put it after his goal yesterday: “Come on [FUNNING] Let’s go!”.
P.S.: Here are the highlights of Pulisic from the game. Enjoy!
