Pulisic Makes Chelsea Debut but Man United Routs Blues at Old Trafford
Christian Pulisic made his EPL debut on Sunday but it would not be one to celebrate as Man United destroyed Frank Lampard's side thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and new signing Daniel James, making it 4-0 to kick start the 2019-2020 campaign.
Paul Pogba, who seemed destined to leave the club this summer, delivered a terrific performance as the French star provided a couple of assists to help his side. In the end, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side secured three points and overwhelmed the visitors.
It did start brightly for Chelsea as with his lineup, Lampard clearly looked to suffocate and narrow the pitch against United. On the ball, the Blues looked to use some quick, slick passing to enter the final third and the first big chance fell to Abraham who took a clean shot and beat David de Gea, but the attempt hit the post and United escaped.
The threats kept coming from the visitors, especially from the right hand side as Pedro crossed it in the danger zone for Abraham, but the striker couldn't quite connect.
But against the run of play, Man United took the lead from the penalty spot after Kurt Zouma brought down the striker in the box.
The goal gave Man United a bolt of confidence as it did a better job at penetrating the final third, especially on the right wing thanks to Wan-Bissaka's hard work going forward and tracking back in order to clear any danger.
Chelsea took advantage of some poor passing in the midfield from United as a counter attacking play gave Ross Barkley a good opportunity to equalize but De Gea was up to the task. Minutes later, the post came to the Spanish goalkeeper's rescue once again as Emerson's shot from close range refused to go in.
At the break, United led 1-0 thanks to Rashford's penalty.
The second half started similar to the first as Lampard's side looked to control the game in United's half by putting more numbers in the final third. But the home side remained strong, thanks to a well organized back four and the dominant presence of Maguire.
Just before the hour, Pulisic came in for Chelsea as Lampard added more offensive firepower. Almost immediately, the American won a free kick after colliding with Paul Pogba. But the wheels came undone for Chelsea as Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford made it 3-0 in a matter of seconds.
Pogba, who provided a delicious ball for Rashford's second, delivered yet again with a great run and assist as Daniel James scored on his debut, making it 4-0.
By the end of the whistle, a strong United gave its fans a resounding victory. It's only one game, but plenty of positives to take from Solskjaer's gameplan.
Here were the lineups:
Next up for Chelsea is a game against Liverpool on Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup, while Man United visits Wolves the following Monday.
