Pulisic's Brace Against Palace

On This Day in 2021, Pulisic Started to Find His Form Before a Massive Champions League Run

When Christian Pulisic scored twice in Chelsea's commanding 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, it represented a breakthrough moment for the American winger in a challenging second season at Stamford Bridge. After being awarded the prestigious number 10 shirt following Willian's departure to Arsenal in the offseason, Pulisic's campaign was plagued by frustrating injuries and inconsistent playing time.

The American's season began behind schedule after suffering a hamstring injury in the previous campaign's FA Cup Final against Arsenal, where he scored. Despite returning to training in early September, discomfort kept him sidelined for the Premier League opener. Pulisic wouldn't make his season debut until October 3, coming off the bench in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. Though he scored occasionally—including a late Champions League goal against Krasnodar in October and his milestone 10th Premier League goal against Leeds in December (becoming the fastest American to reach that mark)—momentum had been challenging to sustain.

By April, with Chelsea fighting for a top-four finish under new manager Thomas Tuchel, Pulisic desperately sought consistency. The previous week had brought a glimmer of hope when he notched the opening goal against West Bromwich Albion, though that match ended in a disappointing 5-2 home defeat. The April 10 trip to Selhurst Park offered an opportunity for both the player and team to bounce back.

Chelsea wasted no time asserting their dominance in south London. After just eight minutes, Kai Havertz opened the scoring with a left-footed finish after Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi combined effectively to set him up. Barely two minutes later, it was Pulisic's turn, as he emphatically finished Havertz's cross with a powerful strike into the top corner, giving Vicente Guaita no chance.

The Blues continued their relentless attack, with Kurt Zouma adding a third from Mount's free-kick after 30 minutes. Though Christian Benteke pulled one back for Palace in the second half with a header from Jeff Schlupp's cross, any hope of a comeback was extinguished when Pulisic completed his brace in the 78th minute. The American pounced on a rebound and slammed the ball into the net, capping a performance that confirmed his return to form.

"The first 20-30 minutes felt really strong from us. We were playing very aggressive and that drove us through the game," Pulisic said afterward. With three goals in two matches, the 22-year-old was finding his rhythm at a crucial time. "There has been a lot of things going on this season, but I will work hard to do my best in any way I can. I was happy I was able to do that today."

The victory moved Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, temporarily dislodging Liverpool, who had briefly climbed above them earlier in the day. For Tuchel's squad, it was the perfect confidence boost ahead of a decisive Champions League quarter-final second leg against Porto.

Three days later, Chelsea would face Porto in Seville. Thanks to Mount and Ben Chilwell's goals, the Blues earned a 2-0 advantage in the first leg. Despite losing the return match 1-0 to a spectacular overhead kick from Mehdi Taremi in added time, the Blues advanced 2-1 on aggregate to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2014.

"I am feeling very good," Pulisic told reporters after the Palace match. "I am happy to be playing and helping the team whichever way I can. It was nice to get on the scoresheet, and I am feeling very strong at the moment. It has not been an easy season. There has been a lot of coming in and coming out and injuries, but I'm feeling healthy and strong right now. There are some really big games coming up."

For Pulisic, the brace against Crystal Palace represented more than just two goals—it was a statement of intent from a player whose immense talent had been frequently interrupted by physical setbacks. With Chelsea fighting for Champions League qualification and still alive in both European competition and the FA Cup, the American's return to form couldn't have come at a better time, especially with a two-leg tie against Real Madrid in the semifinal up next.