Christian Pulisic finally opened his Premier League account last week with a perfect hat trick against Burnley in his seventh league appearance with Chelsea. He couldn’t wait to add to it on Saturday.
After being denied by a ridiculous save in the first half, Pulisic made no mistake in the second, netting the winner in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.
Pulisic now has four goals in eight Premier League appearances. The 21-year-old winger now only trails six other Americans for most goals in the league.
Pulisic nearly headed in a first-half goal against Watford but for the fingertips of Foster, who did just enough to deny the American and create doubts it would be Pulisic’s day.
What a save on @cpulisic_10 pic.twitter.com/uQXeCPO44o
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 2, 2019
But at least Pulisic wasn’t the only youngster denied by old-man Foster. The 36-year-old kept Mason Mount, 20, from a great solo goal in the 43rd minute.
The ball said pic.twitter.com/L1uYidWdKI
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 2, 2019
No one was going to save Pulisic’s shot 10 minutes into the second half.
Tammy Abraham, who scored the opener, found himself in a good position on the right side of the Watford box, but with few options ahead of him. Pulisic, fortunately, made a darting run in between four yellow jerseys. Abraham spotted the American and the two linked up perfectly, with Pulisic providing a clinical finish, leaving Foster no chance.
#LigaPremierTD ¡ @cpulisic_10 marca por segundo partido consecutivo y llega a 4 en la liga inglesa!
Watford 0-2 Chelsea pic.twitter.com/0yf3ov3IU7— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 2, 2019
The greatest 3-yard goal ever scored, if you ask us.
Abraham had his footprints all over the match. As mentioned, the 22-year-old striker had a goal, taking advantage of a visionary pass from Jorginho to breach Watford just five minutes into the match.
#LigaPremierTD ¡ @tammyabraham adelanta al @ChelseaFC y marca su noveno gol de la campaña!
Watford 0-1 Chelsea pic.twitter.com/d7baCu8kGd— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) November 2, 2019
That ball from Jorghino. That finish from Tammy. Chelsea fans. You are now pregnant
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) November 2, 2019
Watford pulled one back in the 80th minute when Gerard Deulofeu drew a penalty kick. The Spaniard was kicked in the box and while the referee didn’t see a penalty, VAR did.
Watford have been awarded a penalty, agree? pic.twitter.com/dibV8xUnHW
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 2, 2019
NBCSN announcers complained about the call, but there was clearly a kick. While it was soft, the ire over the call should be reserved for the disparity with which VAR decisions are made in England, with refs refusing to go to the replay screen themselves to have a look. Either way, Deulofeu made it 2-1 in the 80th minute.
Gerard Deulofeu converts from the spot. pic.twitter.com/HPF00Xa6Jd
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 2, 2019
Sadly, Pulisic was pulled from the match soon after the equalizer and couldn’t help Chelsea add to its lead and the match finished 2-1. But not before Foster nearly headed in a late equalizer.
.@kepa_46 really saved Watford keeper Ben Foster's header in the last play of the game pic.twitter.com/Brby6wKnTq
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 2, 2019