Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku’s 69th minute header proved to be the difference in Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League opener against Zenit on Tuesday. The Chelsea vs. Zenit highlights saw the defending champs frustrated by a feisty Russian side for most of the game.

Zenit’s defense dug its heels into the ground and dared the Blues to try and get past. I’m willing to bet that if Chelsea had the same squad as last season, then this match would have ended in a draw. That’s not the case when a player like Lukaku roams in the opposition’s box.

The USMNT injury updates include a mixed batch of good and bad news.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel gave a Christian Pulisic injury update after the American forward suffered a knock to the ankle during the USMNT’s 4-1 victory against Honduras. Good news U.S. and Chelsea fans, Pulisic will only be out for 10 days.

“For Christian, unfortunately he came yesterday on crutches and he has an ankle injury with about 10 days," Tuchel said.

For the first time in history, Americans will play in all three of UEFA’s European tournaments. This season is also the first time there have been three tournaments, but minor details. There are tons of Americans playing in Europe, but only 22 have made it to the group stages across the three competitions.

Here are the numbers for Americans playing in European tournaments.

• Champions League: 11 Americans
• Europa League: 9 Americans
• Europa Conference League: 2 Americans

First, let’s look at the 11 in the Champions League.

Twitter and the internet are in flames right now over the Reece James red card incident against Liverpool during Saturday’s Premier League clash. Some fans are ready to jump through their TV screens and fist-fight referee Anthony Taylor, while others think the correct call was made.

Chelsea was leading 1-0 in what was arguably one of the most exciting games of the season so far. Then, just before halftime all hell broke loose after a Liverpool corner. Taylor would go to the VAR screen and look at one freeze-frame before deciding to send off James.

Romelu Lukaku’s second spell with Chelsea looks destined for great things after the Belgian opened the scoring for the Blues in Sunday’s commanding 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates. The Gunners, on the other hand, look destined for a whole lot less. 

Christian Pulisic will have to sit out for Chelsea’s London Derby against Arsenal on Sunday due to a positive Covid test. For those asking themselves, “is Christian Pulisic vaccinated?” the answer is yes. Pulisic posted to his Instagram story on Friday that he was feeling well and had no symptoms.