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Pulisic hit hat-trick as Chelsea beat Burnley in six -goal thriller

Christian Pulisic celebrates scoring with Willian and Tammy Abraham
At 21 years and 38 days old, Pulisic is the youngest Chelsea player to score a Premier League hat-trick

Christian Pulisic scored a hat-trick to announce his arrival in English football in sensational style as Chelsea beat Burnley for a seventh consecutive win in all competitions.

The 21-year-old American winger scored a ‘perfect’ hat-trick with a left foot, right foot and headed effort.

He was the difference in an even first half, first of all winning the ball on the halfway line before running all the way and slotting home.

His second was also a break from midfield after Willian won possession.

Burnley were in the game until that stage but Chelsea ran away with it in the second half.

Pulisic headed in from Mason Mount’s cross for his first career treble, before Willian blasted home a fourth moments later.

Jay Rodriguez’s long-range strike and Dwight McNeil’s deflected effort brought huge roars from the Turf Moor faithful but they had left their comeback far too late.

Pulisic’s breakthrough game

Pulisic, who has already been dubbed Captain America in some parts, has had a slow start to life in England as he adjusted from the switch from Borussia Dortmund.

This was his first Premier League start since August, but there can be little doubt he is ready now.

It was not just his goals which were impressive. He caused so many problems for Burnley with surging runs down both flanks and through the centre, as well as some testing crosses.

But what will clearly be remembered are his three goals.

His first was all his own work as he won it from Matthew Lowton before skipping past James Tarkowski and slotting home.

Then Willian stole the ball off a Burnley defender before finding Pulisic, who did the rest – albeit with the help of a deflection.

After the break, he popped up with an unlikely header to become only the second American to score a hat-trick in the Premier League.

Willian’s fierce drive into the bottom corner was merely a footnote on this game.

Chelsea’s fans chanted “we want 10” but the only other Chelsea action of note was a penalty awarded to Callum Hudson-Odoi which was overturned by the VAR, and which subsequently earned the substitute a yellow card for diving.

Burnley’s ‘big six’ struggles continue

The omens were never good for Sean Dyche’s hosts. They have now only won one of their last 26 Premier League games against ‘big six’ opposition, while their last home win against Chelsea was in 1983.

A win would have taken them above Arsenal into fifth spot and for 45 minutes that looked plausible.

Ashley Barnes, back from an injury, missed three good first-half chances for the Clarets, with Kepa making a good stop from Erik Pieters’ deflected strike.

The game was basically over after Pulisic’s moments of magic but fans will wonder what could have been had Rodriguez and McNeil’s goals come 10 minutes sooner.

‘It was beautiful to watch’ – what they said

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, speaking to Sky Sports: “This is a really tough place to go and the way we controlled the game, our midfield combinations and movement, was beautiful to watch. I really enjoyed watching them today.”

On his handling of Christian Pulisic: “He had a week’s break this summer. He arrived for a big price and wanted to come straight back in but at the same time why am I going to throw him in? So I have to do it in the right way and get the best out of him. I’m delighted for him.”

On making just one change from midweek: “It’s a balance, I always think one, two or three games ahead. But there’s an argument that we are doing okay, they are hungry, and I felt one change was enough today. It’s important we keep our feet on the ground. We played well but we can play better.”

On conceding two late goals: “I will be the first to criticise sloppy goals, and they were. But not tonight because of the way they played, their movement on the ball, there were so many great things to admire. I’m not letting that in the dressing room tonight, we came to a really tough place and won comfortably.”

Burnley manager Sean Dyche, speaking to Match of the Day: “Chelsea are a good side and they are in top form, credit to them but the second goal was our own doing.

“It was similar to the game we played against Liverpool and the second goal was a killer.

“Our mentality continues to grow and we are creating a better standard of chances against these top sides and there’s a growing belief in what we can do, but we can’t commit those mistakes.”

On Callum Hudson-Odoi being booked for diving: “I can’t stand diving, it is ridiculous, that has to get out of the game.

“Everyone is talking to me about respecting the referees, but players need to respect the game as well.”

Man of the match – Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)

Christian Pulisic celebrates scoring
Christian Pulisic is the first player to score a ‘perfect’ Premier League hat-trick for Chelsea since Didier Drogba against Wigan in May 2010

BBCSPORTS

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