BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom: Frank Lampard believes Christian Pulisic can be Chelsea’s trump card in the race to qualify for the Champions League after his decisive cameo inspired Sunday’s (Monday in Manila) 2-1 win at Aston Villa. But Pulisic came off the bench to equalize after the break before Olivier Giroud bagged his fourth club goal of the season two minutes later. Mason Mount, another of Chelsea’s breakthrough stars, did start and the midfielder tested Villa keeper Orjan Nyland with a stinging long-range drive. Cesar Azpilicueta headed wide from Willian’s cross early in the second half and moments later Lampard sent on Pulisic and Ross Barkley in a bid to ignite Chelsea’s spluttering attack. A slip by Andreas Christensen gave Jota the chance for a late equalizer, but the Villa substitute dragged his shot wide.

Source: Manila Times June 22, 2020 16:16 UTC