Blues legend criticizes Pulisic's performance in Manchester City vs Chelsea

A Blues legend strongly criticized Christian Pulisic's performance today in the Manchester City vs Chelsea clash, in which the Stamford Bridge side lost the game 1-0. 

The USMNT international was in the starting lineup today but his performance was not up to expectations, according to Joe Cole, who not only criticized him. 

The former Chelsea midfielder also had words for Hakim Ziyech, the Moroccan striker who played alongside Pulisic on the wings today. 

Cole's main criticisms of both were directed at their ability to move the ball and send passes at critical moments in the match. 

What did Cole have to say about Pulisic's performance against City?

Cole took a blunt and merciless shot at the errors he saw in the game.

The former midfielder said: "The difference between Arsenal's performance (vs Manchester City) and Chelsea's was the performances (on the wing) of Martinelli and Saka," Cole said to take a cue from the other game played by the Citizens. 

He went on to say, "Today Pulisic and Ziyech were not at their best and I think that's where Chelsea were lacking a little bit today." 

Cole was emphatic that the main problem with the duo of Pulisic and Ziyech was the movement of the ball down the flanks. 

He further emphasized, "In those transitions, you can take the ball, drive and do something. When they received the ball in midfield, Pulisic and Ziyech didn't find the right pass." 

How was Pulisic's performance in the match against City?

Pulisic has everything it takes to succeed in the Premier League, considered the best league in the world in terms of soccer. 

However, he has not been able to be consistent since among his outstanding performances there have also been several to forget like the one he had today against Pep Guardiola's team and absolute leader of the Premier League. 

In today's match Christian Pulisic barely touched the ball 26 times, won only 1 hand to hand, lost the ball 6 times and in the 69th minute, he was substituted by Timo Werner. So Cole has plenty of arguments to criticize the USMNT leader. 

Who is Joe Cole and why can he criticize Pulisic?

Joe Cole is an undisputed legend of the Blues and his track record means that when he criticizes Pulisic, everyone heeds his words. 

For starters, he made his Premier League debut at the age of 17, and with Chelsea, he won three Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, a League Cup, and a Community Shield, among other trophies. Nothing more. 

And with the England national team his history is also epic as he played in the 2002, 2006, and 2010 World Cups, and the 2004 European Championship.

His best moment was in the 2006 World Cup when he scored one of the best goals in the history of his national team, against Sweden in the first round in Cologne. 

So yes, when Cole criticizes a player it is a good time to shut up and listen to an experienced player with such a track record.