Well, yes and no. Last year we lost some of those sorts of games and, leaving us aside, even city have lost to Norwich and at home to Wolves. United have lost to Newcastle, West Ham and Palace. It's still very early days but so far, he's done as well, if not better, than what we were expecting.
Obviously, the D is still the biggest issue. Aside from the NUFC game, Lampard have them attacking pretty effectively, but the late goals still have to worry. A lapse or 2 is ok when you're blowing out a team, but Chelsea still have away games to a fair number of top 8 clubs, where a soft goal is likely to cost them. Even Ajax, while an away match and where Chelsea walked out with the shut-out, was not super convincing defensively. A close ref decisions and a post made the difference there. That said, Lampard attacking style is a lot of fun to watch, so no complaints from me for the entertainment value.
I can’t speak for all Chelsea fans but several rate Kovacic higher than Barkley. He’s also a much better CM in a 2 man mid than Barkley. I was against spending more than 30 mill on a squad rotation player but he’s been very good for us. He’s tactically flexible which is key. The goal and assist thing reminds me of the chatter around Nagbe. He doesn’t need to great at that. His ability to break the press, dig in on a tackle, carry the ball with pace, connect passes in the middle 3rd are key. Not all 11 players have to be goal scorers. Between Tammy, Cho, Pulisic, Mount, Willian, RLC and even apparently Kante now we have players that can score. We need balance and he provides that to our midfield.
Okay, but by "becoming a trned" you mean his first real injury since he's been in England, right? He has missed the occassional game before, as has every player, but this is his first long stretch out, isn't it? Also, he's 28, which for his role is prime prime, so maybe sell high, but his prime wouldn't be surprising to last until he's 32 or 33, so ... I mean, he may well be the best in the world at what he does right now, do you dump that? All right, yes, if they double the money of the most expensive DM in history, then probably yes. Still, he really can make a difference still.
he’s a Penn State fan, but really there is no connection other than me being a penn state alum and a USA/Pulisic fan and I’m excited for both
One of several TOWs. In fact, I don't think there is a regular Team of the Week that did not include him. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50201142
Just the SEVEN @LCFC players in the Team of the Week, then? 😅😂 #LCFC pic.twitter.com/AnMEc9ZsoC— Sky Sports FF (@SkyFantasyFooty) October 29, 2019 The "star" player for London teams this week: ⚽️ Here is the #LFA Team of the Week ⚽️ Manager of the Week: Thomas Frank - Brentford FC @BrentfordFCStar Man: Christian PulisicCaptain: Pontus Jansson (Fixtures played from 22nd - 28th Oct)#LFAteamoftheweek #london #football #LFA2020 pic.twitter.com/r8n66cHFxS— London Football Awards (@TheLFAOfficial) October 29, 2019
If we're still looking for a safe landing spot, CP could join fellow Londoner-of-the-Week Tim Ream at Fulham for a season or two. Or does Chelsea now seem like a better bet?
Kind of surprised that Willian was listed on these "best of" teams. His goal was an absolute thing of beauty... but the rest of his game wasn't all that fantastic. He seems like he either plays very well or poorly... but when it is the former it is very worthwhile because he brings a lot defensively too.
The American Hazard is preparing for The Carabao Cup match vs Man U on Weds Fresh cut for the hat trick hero, Captain America , Christian Pulisic 🔥💙 🇺🇸 - IG Man United ain’t ready for the sauce 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZC2YCcR2bZ— 𝙍𝙚𝙮 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙤 🇵🇾🇲🇽💙 (@Rey_Blues30) October 29, 2019
Fulham had a goalkeeper get red carded in the 17th minute. Ironically their off and on again starter had just started being off again maybe three weeks ago so he came back on. Anyway they kept a clean sheet. Look I'm pretty happy with Pulisic and fair credit to Lampard if this was his plan all along. I don't think fans were unfair to criticize Lampard earlier, because it did not seem like there was a plan for Pulisic. Giving Mason Mount and CHO starts in the premier league or on the Continent and citing their experience did not seem fair value. That being said a big problem I had with his time at Dortmund was the general lack of consistency from managers there. He looked best under Tuchel, but then went through three managers in three years. He looked best after that when Bats went on loan and when he played after the Chelsea transfer. Hell Bosz played him at wingback and Favre preferred the mighty Jacob-Bruun Larsen to him. So it's clear that Pulisic whether it's because of the type of player, the type of systems, or what have you to be a regular penciled in starter. All the while showing spurts of play that few can match. The most encouraging thing about the last three games for me is that I've never really seen Pulisic be surrounded by such talented teammates that are actually looking for him to be involved. Dortmund would prioritize Reus, or Sancho, or Dembele or Goetze. Right now Chelsea's attack is way more balanced. Willian doesn't dominate proceedings or the ball like those four and everyone else involved in their attack (CHO, Mason Mount, Tammy, Pedro, Giroud, and Bats) is a combination of either too young/inexperienced to carry that load, doesn't play that type of game, is a poacher, etc. Excited to see the rest of his year go by, especially in the Champions League.
Over or Under on Pulisic starting against ManU tomorrow? I know the Chelsea fans want revenge from their 4-0 lost earlier in the season. It'd be awesome if he starts tomorrow, put in a few goals/assists and get that win. He'll be their hero in no time.
He has already either started or finished the plays responsible for the last 3 Chelsea wins.... Hazardous expectations for sure if he has to keep up with the goal/assist per less than 90 minutes played stat.... That being said... players go in and out of form all the time... gotta strike while the iron is hot. I can't help but feel like CP is in a groove and would, in fact, get at least a goal/assist if given ample minutes against Man U. Given the choice though... I would rather him start the next EPL game.
He is in the same groove he has been in. Yes there is variation over time. But if he gets the minutes he will put big assist numbers and get his share of goals.
I don't think he was in the groove earlier in the season. Outside of the cup game against Liverpool, he was average to below average in his first four games.