After a much-improved performance against a competitive Tottenham team, Chelsea were expected to build on it and pick up the three points against Leeds United last week.
Following the departure of Raphinha and the ongoing injury woes of Patrick Bamford, the Elland Road faithful perhaps were not too confident hosting the Blues with a depleted attack.
But thanks to spirited performance, the home side managed to record a famous 3-0 victory against Thomas Tuchel’s side. Following a mistake from Edouard Mendy, USMNT young-gun Brenden Aaronson put Leeds in front in the first half before Rodrigo added a second to take a 2-0 lead into half-time.
After Jack Harrison added a third and Kalidou Koulibaly saw him being given the marching orders, Chelsea were truly down and out following a disappointing outing at Elland Road.
The struggles for Tuchel’s side in the attack were out on display for all to see as the German manager threw on almost every attacking option he had on the bench in a desperate attempt to claw their way back from defeat.
While Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling started and failed to make any headway, substitutes Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic also were unable to have any real impact in the final third.
Although the two players remain far from earning a spot in the starting 11, perhaps Chelsea fans were hoping for Pulisic to rediscover the sliver of his form that was crucial in the club’s Champions League triumph last year.
But in his 26-minute cameo, the American produced next to no danger for Illan Meslier in goal with 0 attempts and 0 shots on target.
However, more than his poor shift in attack against Leeds, it looks like the 23-year-old’s Instagram activity has enraged Chelsea supporters.
Following the meltdown at Elland Road, Pulisic posted a picture of him alongside compatriots Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams with the USA flag as the caption, which has failed to impress the Stamford Bridge faithful.
The photo appears to capture the three USMNT stars sharing a moment after the full-time whistle on the pitch. With the World Cup almost around the corner, it is not surprising that Pulisic chose to stress their shared national love through the picture, particularly through the caption which indicates a sense of togetherness in the USMNT camp.
The last few years have seen USMNT youngsters rise amongst the ranks in Europe’s top leagues with names such as Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah all slowly becoming household names of the game. This major effort from players such as Aaronson who is playing his first season in the Premier League certainly deserves appreciation from US captain Pulisic.
But Pulisic was still a Chelsea player at the time and perhaps posting this after an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at the hands of a mid-table team such as Leeds was not the right call from the American.
Moreover, it is likely that Chelsea fans are cross with Pulisic’s post more so due to the presence of Adams and Aaronson who were both brilliant against Tuchel’s team.
Aaronson especially as he scored his debut goal for Leeds on Sunday by capitalising on Mendy’s error and leaving Chelsea’s No. 1 in an embarrassing position.
The comments section on Pulisic’s post now predominantly features messages from Blues fans pointing out the lack of professionalism or seriousness to the club from the American as he uploaded the post after the humbling.
With the London side now set to return to Stamford Bridge for a clash against Leicester City, perhaps Pulisic will be hearing some of the same discontent voiced out on his post roaring out from the stands of the stadium as Chelsea looks to get back up the table.
