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Christian Pulisic and Chelsea had been dynamite since the restart of the Premier League — three straight wins with the American being the Blues’ best player by far. The dream return came to a screeching halt in London with 17th-place West Ham punishing dreadful defending in a 3-2 Chelsea defeat.
I’m not sure what looked worse to be honest, the Chelsea defense or the new uniforms.
Chelsea have unveiled their new home kit for next season pic.twitter.com/hwXeNHrU50
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 1, 2020
You can imagine with the Hammers scoring three goals against Chelsea the jokes came flowing in after the loss.
What’s the score line? pic.twitter.com/dBBOQtTCZK
(@_BFCM_) July 1, 2020
Pulisic continued his incredible form and set up both Chelsea goals after being fouled. In the first half he was tackled in the box to set up a Willian penalty to take a 1-0 lead.
Then after his team conceded twice, Pulisic made a great run toward West Ham’s 18-yard box and was fouled again. Willian had to produce some extra magic this go-around but still managed to find the back of the net.
Off the woodwork and IN.
A magnificent free kick ties it up for Chelsea. #MyPLSummer pic.twitter.com/1sacJiMfuO— #MyPLSummer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 1, 2020
With Pulisic and Willian being the ultimate duo, where did it all go wrong for Chelsea? Let’s take a look at the Blues defense for some clues.
Exhibit A: Antonio Rüdiger kicks the ball out for a corner for no reason
Look at Rudiger conceding a corner leading to the West Ham equalizer pic.twitter.com/AqRxWgvoyt
— Ali. (@UtdAlii) July 1, 2020
Not a good look. VAR saved Chelsea from Tomas Soucek scoring on the Blues from a corner moments before this. Surely, they learned their lesson, right?
All square at the half between Chelsea and West Ham thanks to this picture perfect corner! #MyPLSummer pic.twitter.com/6OJrPFVLR3
— #MyPLSummer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 1, 2020
Ouch. Extra bonus points to goalkeeper Kepa for running out to get the ball and then deciding otherwise.
Exhibit B: Rudiger nearly fouls Michail Antonio for a penalty, then promptly forgets he exists
#MyPLSummer pic.twitter.com/RghtssHMIV
— #MyPLSummer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 1, 2020
Ultimate stealth here from Antonio. His genius to go to ground to put him out of eyesight of all the Chelsea defenders, and they clearly forgot of his existence. One failed clearance and a cross later Antonio was giving West Ham a second goal.
Exhibit C: Rudiger gets twisted like a pretzel and ends up on his back
WHAT DRAMA.
West Ham take the lead with scant moments to go before stoppage time! #MyPLSummer pic.twitter.com/ernTneO0Qf— #MyPLSummer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 1, 2020
Not a fantastic game for the German defender. To be fair to Rüdiger, no one bothered to pick up the run of Andriy Yarmolenko and thus put the poor Chelsea defender to the sword.
West Ham deserves as much credit for the victory as Chelsea earned flak. The Hammers didn’t let their head drops after VAR denied them a goal and then going behind moments later. This result was huge for relegation purposes and Champions League qualification spots. Manchester United fans are licking their chops after Leicester City and Chelsea dropped three points on the same day.
As for Pulisic, his calf appears to be holding up great despite him being questionable earlier in the week with tightness.
