Pulisic hopes he can ‘make a difference’
CHELSEA forward Christian Pulisic said he was eager to prove his desire to play more often and was happy to score a “massive goal” after coming off the bench in yesterday’s 1-0
Premier League win over West Ham United.
Pulisic’s 90th-minute winner at Stamford Bridge made up for his teammate Jorginho’s missed penalty as Chelsea remained third in the League on 65 points, five points above fourth-placed Arsenal, who have played a game more.
Pulisic’s playing time has been limited in recent weeks, with the American last starting in their 3-1 defeat at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals on April 6.
“It was a massive goal. We had so much pressure on them for most of the game but we couldn’t get that breakthrough, so I am happy I was able to help out,” said Pulisic, who replaced Timo Werner in the 76th minute.
“I needed to come in and make a difference, prove I want to be playing and I am happy I did that.”
It was Pulisic’s first goal since he scored in their Champions League last-16 match at Lille on March 16.
“I always want to be on the pitch, to help my team and I am glad I got the opportunity today,” he added.
“We played a good match and we got our deserved goal in the end.”
There are six games left in the League, with a bonus game at Wembley in the FA Cup final as well.
That run-in could certainly open up opportunities over the last month for players to show their wares and Pulisic grabbed his chance with both hands yesterday.
“It is like this, especially with the strikers. (Pulisic) had a period when he was on a run, had the confidence, was heavily involved upfront and Timo had to wait for many, many weeks. Now things turned around a little bit from the Southampton game,”Tuchel said.
“Puli struggled a little bit since coming back from the international break.
“Now we have tried to bring him back in full confidence from the bench, and I am happy with the effort today. It was super important.”
Chelsea next travel to face Manchester United on Friday (2.45am).