Christian Pulisic has had a somewhat difficult start to his career at Chelsea, but it’s been a much better week for him. First there was his Champions League assist that aided Chelsea over Ajax, a game in which his play helped turn things around for the English club.
Manager Frank Lampard apparently agreed, handing Pulisic a league start today at Burnley.
Christian Pulisic earns the starting nod for Chelsea in their match with Burnley. Well-earned after his recent performances since the international break. #USMNT https://t.co/QboFC2WzyH
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) October 26, 2019
After just twenty minutes, Pulisic rewarded Lampard, capitalizing on a Burnley giveaway and in the end beating three defenders and the keeper to score his first league goal.
Just gonna drop this Pulisic goal video here for y'all
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⚽️ pic.twitter.com/zRB9CFviXY— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 26, 2019
Pulisic was always going to have to win the new club over, and putting away chances like that can only help. Pulisic had two more first half shots on goal as well, and has been quite active overall. It’s a far cry from being subbed off by USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter after an hour during the American loss to Canada, and Pulisic’s immediate success upon his return only casts further shade on that decision from Berhalter.
UPDATE: And he scores his second goal before halftime as well.
UPDATE 2: Hat trick! Pulisic becomes the second American to notch a Premier League hat trick; Clint Dempsey did it for Fulham in 2012.
PULISIC HATTRICK AHHHHH pic.twitter.com/UPNktW4pBp
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 26, 2019