USATim

Good call - 0 shots on goal tonight, I think.

And what exactly has Sterling made happen this preseason? Goals? Assists? What?

Agreed. Think it is going to be a long year for Sterling - Tuchel's style of attack just doesn't suite his game.

I just hate this attacking system under Tuchel, Ax - it is slow, plotting, methodical and congested. Whipping in crosses with wingbacks to a striker who can't play inside makes no sense. The wingbacks force the wingers inside where it is just too damn congested once they get possession. With the exception of Mount, our midfielders give us absolutely nothing in the attack, and it seems like we are constantly playing the ball backward. This system just doesn't fit the type of players we have. It will be interesting to note if Sterling's stats dip - here is betting they do.

We will see how Sterling does in Tuchel's system. Think you will be whistling a different tune at the end of the season.

So, Ziyech, Werner and Pulisic all suck. Havertz was invisible today too, as was Sterling. Christ, Mount was the only player with a shot the entire game. At what point do you blame Tuchel and the system?

On ESPN+ here in the States

Could be. We will see. Think Tuchel is more apt to play Werner out of his comfort spot then Sterling.

Well, we know that Sterling and Havertz will be starting up from opening day. Wonder if Tuchel foresees Mount in that midfield role and is auditioning for that right spot with Pulisic and Werner - second game in the preseason in which he has played Mount there.

Agreed. Why Chelsea doesn't have him on a program to gain upper body mass is beyond me. Perhaps they think it will effect his quickness.

I stand corrected - but this year is still vitally important for Pulisic to perform in, as most clubs make moves a year in advance of contracts ending to avoid getting nothing for a player leaving.

No sauce tonight. Keto has me imbibing on H2O. As far as him overplaying being a result of his national team expectations - I don't think it has anything to do with the national team - he doesn't need to carry the US, as Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson, and Timothy Weah are all talented and take the pressure off him. Pulisic is criticized more than any other player on Chelsea and, while some of it may be warranted, some is not. And Americans see others who have underachieved on Chelsea - pretty much every attacking player on Chelsea the last two seasons - not put under the microscope as much. Most Americans just want him playing, to be brutally honest with you - most could care less where. I happen to believe he could have his breakout season this year for Chelsea, if given the opportunity. We will see. I hope he does - I have an affinity for this forum and don't want to start new again elsewhere;)

So, according to you, Pulisic isn't worthy to be a player on this Chelsea squad.

Contract is up next season. So, I would think there is a ton of incentive for him to perform this year.

Nahhh... the highlights in his hair already have us Yanks concerned. Let's stop there.

Long as it's not Biden. He is a turd.

Explain slanging to a Yank, Ax. Meaning?

"Pulisic have been dogsh*t since the purple patch, which was what, 2 years ago? He’s one of the least important players in the team... But of course we will support him." Lmao - exactly.

Non-supportive referring to Pulisic. And it is perfectly fine. Motivational. Americans thrive on comments like that. Pulisic ready for a break out year. We can then revisit your "supportive" comments.

Hate was a strong word. You just don't believe in them. Semantics. Either way, you are non-supportive.

And...it starts. Sun coming up in the morning, taxes, death - and Pulisic hatred. Lol.

Who ya got? I say Sterling, Havertz, Mount. If Mount plays in more of a midfield role, I say Sterling, Havertz, Pulisic. Thoughts on what Tommy will go with?

Just bumping my boy up in the threads section - noticed no comments on him since the 11th. Don't want you all forgetting about him;)

Interesting responses here - people worrying that Sterling might be slowed down by Tuchel's offensive approach. That will be interesting to watch. All of the firepower brought into this offense the last couple of seasons only to see it flounder. At some point, one must say it is an indictment of the coach and his philosophy and not the players. We shall see.

Spot on, Ax! Like to also add that I am a big Silva fan. Love his style of play, dependability and leadership!