Lampard hails Chelsea’s “hot topic” Pulisic for impact in win over Newcastle

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has praised Christian Pulisic after the role he played in their narrow Premier League win over Newcastle United.

The Blues ran out 1-0 winners at Stamford Bridge, stretching their winning streak in England’s top division to three games, with second-half substitute Pulisic setting up Marco Alonso for the winner.

How has Pulisic fared so far at Chelsea? Five key things to know…

• Chelsea signed Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund for £58m in January 2019.
• He remained in Germany last season before joining up the Blues this summer.
• The 21-year-old American international has found it hard to hold down a regular starting berth under Lampard.
• He’s started just three of Chelsea’s opening nine Premier League games.
• Lampard praised him after his match-winning assist for Alonso in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.

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Due to a transfer embargo imposed on them by Fifa, Pulisic was the only new face at Chelsea this summer, but his signing from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund was sealed earlier this year.

The 21-year-old American is the club’s third most expensive acquisition (£58m) behind Álvaro Morata (£59m) and Kepa Arrizabalaga (£71.6m). Given his high-profile reputation, and with Eden Hazard swapping the British capital for Spain’s, many felt Pulisic would be a regular starter under Lampard.

However, Newcastle’s visit to west London was only Pulisic’s sixth league appearance of the season, with half of those coming from the start – and he’s yet to appear in the Champions League – leading to discussions about his long-term future.

Lampard, though, feels there needs to be calm around Pulisic and, following his role in Chelsea’s win over Steve Bruce’s side, he’s expecting to see further improvement.

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“I’m really pleased for him. He’s a hot topic because of the price tag. Because of his status in his national team, and his world status through that. And everyone has got a little bit carried away with the short term,” Lampard said.

“The long term is that he’s come here and he’s just turned 21 and to see him play like he did today, and there’s a lot more to come.

“It’s not the end story. You can see his balance and awareness and you can see how he can play.

“And there’s improvement to come as with all the young players, but delighted for him because he will feel good about that. And he should do because he was a big part of us winning that game.”