Pulisic’s Late Winner Secures Maximum Points For Chelsea

Ayomikun Elemikan

Chelsea beat London rivals West Ham United 1-0 in a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Substitute Christian Pulisic was the match winner with his 90th-minute strike, from a Marcos Alonso assist, proving enough to seal maximum points for Chelsea.

With an eye on their UEFA Europa League semifinal against German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt just a few days away, coach David Moyes decided to rest six of his regular starters.

West Ham did well to suppress the attacking forays of the Blues for most of the match. Chelsea had more than 20 attempts on goal but were left frustrated with the defensive masterclass of the visiting team.

Chelsea’s hopes of having the lead, and possibly winning the encounter, suffered a setback when Italian midfielder Jorginho’s 87th minute penalty was saved by Lukasz Fabianski.

Craig Dawson had fouled substitute Romelu Lukaku in the box and was handed a yellow card but after a VAR review, the initial card was rescinded and the defender, who had performed excellently up till that moment, was sent off.

Three minutes after Jorginho’s miss, Alonso sent in a low cross into the Hammers’ box and Pulisic, who was left unmarked, turned in a left-footed strike into the back of the net.

The goal sent Stamford Bridge into ecstasy after a frustrating afternoon that looked set to continue Chelsea’s poor form at home, with Thomas Tuchel’s side having lost three successive home games.

Chelsea will now focus on their trip to Old Trafford as they take on Manchester United on Thursday, 28 April.