Football

Ashley Cole and Micah Richards praise Christian Pulisic after Chelsea beat Sheffield United to reach FA Cup semi-final


The winger looked bright against Sheffield United (Picture: Getty Images)

Ashley Cole and Micah Richards praised Christian Pulisic for his man of the match display in Chelsea’s 2-0 FA Cup victory over Sheffield United on Sunday.

The Blues took the lead when Ollie Norwood diverted Ben Chilwell’s cross into his own net and the scoreline stayed the same up until Hakim Ziyech low strike in the 92nd minute confirmed his side’s place int he semi-finals of the competition.

Pulisic impressed with a bright performance but felt aggrieved not to have got his name on the scoresheet as he was denied twice by Aaron Ramsdale.

Norwood’s own goal separated the two sides for the majority of the game (Picture: Getty Images)

The 22-year-old enjoyed a fine debut season at Stamford Bridge but after getting injured in last year’s FA Cup final loss against Arsenal, he is yet to win back a regular starting berth.

However, Chelsea legend Cole and former Manchester City defender Richard were both impressed by the USA international’s performance against the Blades.

‘Last season he was very influential and a big player for Chelsea, he had that injury and it’s stifled him a bit and he’s in and out of the team at the moment,’ Cole told BBC One.

‘Today’s performance was good, maybe should’ve scored a goal. But I think he will be pleased with that after all.’

‘Before he got injured, he was one of Chelsea’s most effective players,’ Richards said. ‘He[Tuchel] wants his player to press, he can do that, unlucky not to get the finish, was a good save by Ramsdale.

‘I thought he had a very good performance.’

Pulisic also rued his missed chances but is glad his side came through a hard-fought test against the Blades.

‘Sheffield United didn’t make it easy on us – they have quality and we had to suffer a bit in the second half,’ Pulisic told BBC One.

‘But it’s another clean sheet, a good performance,’

‘We knew it would be a bit uncomfortable, there would always be a bit of pressure but we had to just work as a team which we did eventually.

‘They’re a good defensive side, there were a couple of chances where myself and others could’ve done better but it’s a good result.

‘We have a confident bunch of guys here and when you go on a streak like this we’re feeling really good and we’re feeling like we can beat anyone.’


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