USMNT star Christian Pulisic once again started for Chelsea, this time in their 3–1 win at Aston Villa, as the American winger was forced to play an unrecognized false nine for the first 45 minutes.
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He was then moved out to play in the ring wing-back role in the second half, as the USMNT Talisman showed his newfound versatility.
His tenure as right-wing-back was impressive as he saw a lot of balls, and would give Thomas Tuchel few options as the squad battled by his injury and illness.
Below is an analysis of Pulisic’s latest 90-minute outing for Chelsea, as he continues to help the Blues find pace with Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Christian Pulisic’s Minute-by-Minute Analysis
10th minute: Tried a blow when the ball is played upwards on him but gave it to him. Villa breaks through to Watkins but Silva clears the cross.
13th minute: Played on the right and holds the ball well but Chelsea plays the ball back. On Air, our own Arlo White mentions Thomas Tuchel’s comments about Pulisic. Chelsea’s coach is pleased with his effort but admits the Falls nine is not Pulisic’s best position.
20th minute: Very different. Scored some good runs in the box but Cross couldn’t find it.
23rd minute: Found the ball, spun, gave it to Reece James and found himself in the box, but the cross was over his head. lively stuff.
27th minute: dropped deep and hit the ball, turned and played it to the right. Tyrone Mings followed him all the way and the attack came to nothing.
31st minute: After Villa took a stunning lead through Reece James’ own goal, Pulisic picked up the ball, sweeping it wide to Alonso with a graceful swing from the outside of his right boot. He then ran into the box and nearly got to the end of Alonso’s cross, but was cleared by Konsa.
33rd minute: Played it wide for Hudson-Odoi, as his shot is blocked. Moments later the ball goes back to the CHO and he wins the penalty kick which Jorginho leveled at 1-1.
46th minute: Walked out to play as right-wing-back for the second half, as Romelu Lukaku came in for Trevoh Chaloba.
54th minute: Saw a lot of ball being thrown wide out as he tried to bite from the inside and whipped some crosses.
57th minute: Hudson-Odoi swung into a great cross that Lukaku headed home to top Chelsea 2-1. The policeman was also ready to end after them.
60th minute: Cleared the ball over the edge of his own six-yard box as Villa whipped into a dangerous cross.
64th minute: Tucked defensively again to clear the ball to the edge of his own box.
67th minute: Moved forward but his pass in the box went straight to a Villa defender.
72nd minute: Tried to find Lukaku but played it directly to Villa’s defence.
80th minute: won a free kick after being bitten by Jacob Ramsey.
82nd minute: Tripped as soon as I went in with the ball. Started landing on the ball later in the game.
84th minute: Almost came to the back post because Mings did not take his approval.
90th minute: Led the ceremony as Jorginho made it 3-1 in stoppage time. Pulisic was heavily involved in the advance and looked decent defensively as a right-wing-back.
