Yep, as I wrote in the game thread, he looked very dangerous whenever he had the ball. Thing is, Puli is somewhat unpredictable to the guys marking him: at times he runs straight, at times he backtracks, at times he dribbles. It's seldom enough to have a single guy on him. And Villa were scared of him for that.
Not sure how often this comes up, but there has been a lot of talk this week that Chelsea's transfer ban may be lifted - with someone saying as soon as tomorrow. Currently the ban extends until February, beyond the January window. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50649336 "When asked when he expects to discover the result of that appeal, Lampard said: "Very soon, I believe. Days, I think. "I haven't heard any more, so I would wait and reserve judgement [on Chelsea's plans for January] until we get the judgement and see where we want to go from there."" https://www.caughtoffside.com/2019/...ry-amidst-major-update-on-their-transfer-ban/ "There is talk Chelsea's transfer ban could be lifted as soon as tomorrow."
He should start as long as he continues to be on form and continues to be a consistent and dangerous threat on the field. When CHO starts to contribute again, than maybe give him a start with Pulisic on the bench. At the moment, Lamps does not have the luxury of NOT having Pulisic in the starting lineup.
I generally agree, although given the upcoming quick Saturday-Tuesday turnaround, I might give Pulisic a quick hook @ Everton, saving his legs a bit, then start him again v Lille.
Eh, fixture congestion is still tangible here. Chelsea play on Saturday and then have the quick CL turnaround with Lille....a game they need a result in to advance. Pulisic sitting on Saturday would likely mean he’d start for their biggest game of the season thus far on Tuesday.
he's playing with the most confidence I've seen. he had one play I think around the 80th minute where he cheekily did a little stop and go with a move that you rarely see outside Fifa, it worked and he was able to weave his way out of trouble. he was incredible on the ball today I thought. Didn't get rewarded but he's had some "right place right time" moments so if he keeps it up he'll get more.
Agreed, it's about time he get a rest. He started like what 8 straight games? The guy is still only 21 though, I don't think he's reached his peak yet (physically) to start every single game for the entire season.
Interesting that both goalscorers were only rated at 7 where CP was 9. But again, can't trust a publication that can't even spell 'feet' correctly. Christian Pulisic - 9 Fabulous early run hinted at more to come and scared Villa rigid whenever he had the ball at his feat.
CP has all the skills to be a superstar. He also seems to have the work ethic to get better. However, I’m not sure he has the nastiness to be among the best of the best. There are times when he could get to the ball if he were a bit more physical and a little mor aggressive. He was late to the rebound of Willian’s free kick in part because he wasn’t aggressive at the start. He was knocked off the ball a few times but didn’t retaliate. I had the good fortune to know a couple of people who were the best of the best in their sports. Their unwillingness to lose at ANYTHING was extraordinary (and sometimes ridiculous). I don’t see that in CP. Perhaps he is too well adjusted to reach the pinnacle.
I forgot about the Lille match. If he starts Saturday, I agree he should be yanked at about the 60 minute mark (if not sooner).
More praise from Lampard. Impressed by Pulisic again? "Really impressed. I think he is playing really well. Since he came into the team, at Burnley got those goals and carried on with his form. He can score more but we've got a player in Christian that is really exciting and when you see this type of player in the modern day and you see their quality. "He has got the ability to go on to the extra level, which is the top level of world football. At the minute he is doing really well and I hope he keeps that up." https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/frank-lampard-chelsea-aston-villa-17365843
Given that the game wasn’t on normal broadcasting and Pulisic’s stellar impact won’t show on normal highlights it would be great if someone could do an all touch video.
Dude knows his geography! No, in both cases these were individual sports which may make a difference. However, I'm struck at how competitive the very best footie players are even in their 1:1 matchups. The absolute abhorrence of losing at anything isn't necessarily healthy, but it does seem to drive success at the pinnacle of sports.
haha, I spend some time during summers in Adamsville/Westport areas and will drift northward to Tiverton on occasion. Great area! Also, agree with your take on top athletes and competitive nature.
Only saw the second half, but I saw him ripping the defense apart repeatedly, creating chaos in the PA. Absolutely Awesome!!
Lille is a powder puff team. I say save him for the big boys of the premier league and rest him against Lille.
it's the most important match of the year for them to this point: a manager fields a rotation team needing a win to advance to the UCL knockout round and he blows it? Even super frank would get serious blowback on that. no way, you field the strongest team possible and hope to have your studs subbed off around the 70 minute mark because you're up 4-1.
Chelsea needed a wondergoal to take a win from Lille last time, so I'm not sure why they're being written off in any capacity. I mean, I'm frankly not super familiar with them... but are they miles worse than the West Ham side that just beat Chelsea and used that 3 points to get to 13th in the table?
https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1376067/Live/England-Premier-League-2019-2020-Chelsea-Aston-Villa Man got a 7.8 from whoscored, and was only behind Tammy and Willian out of all players. Huge impact without showing up on the scoresheet.
Like are going through a lot of challenges right now. You are probably correct in wanting to field the strongest team against them especially since Chelsea need to win. Just thought it would be good to rest Pulisic since he has played a lot lately.
Every league game is more important to Chelsea this year than any CL game that isn't the final until the top four is secured or not.