Newcastle’s £25m sale is outperforming Gordon after leaving

Newcastle have had a torrid campaign up to this point. From qualifying for the Champions League last season to now being ninth in the Premier League, their fall from grace has been quite severe.

Granted, the Magpies have had their fair share of injuries this season with multiple first-team players being absent on more than one occasion.

However, despite enduring the amount of injuries they have had this season, they should have had much more quality within the depth of their squad to find themselves placed higher than mid-table.

There is no doubt that their aims at the start of the Premier League season would have been at least the Europa League, however, if things carry on as they are, they may not even make Europe at all.

The signings made since Eddie Howe's appointment have allowed the squad to make vital changes and create a bond between each team member which allows players to bond and gel together.

However, one signing which Howe made in January 2023 is still struggling to find consistency.

Anthony Gordon's season in numbers so far

Signed for a reported fee of £45m in January 2023, many felt as if Everton had played a blinder by securing so much money for Anthony Gordon.

Prior to joining the Magpies, the winger had played a total of 18 games for Everton throughout the 2022/23 campaign and only registered a total of three goals.

Which, when compared to the season prior, is far from the quality he showed. Throughout 2021/22, Gordon appeared a total of 40 times for the Toffees and amassed seven goal contributions.

Although these stats are also not the strongest, they are much better than what he managed to produce in the 2022/23 campaign.

These numbers in themselves were enough to raise alarms among Premier League fans, with most claiming that Newcastle had been robbed by Everton.

In the second half of 2022/23, when he represented Newcastle, his lack of form continued. Despite playing 16 times in the Premier League, he only managed to score one goal.

patson-daka-anthony-gordon-everton-premier-league

This poor second half of the season further showcased why many thought that Everton had made the best decision by selling their academy graduate.

However, in the 2023/24 season so far, he has found himself in a decent run of form. He has played 36 games and has scored a total of eight goals.

Although this is the most prolific of the 23-year-old's career, the number of assists he has made (7) still happen to be shy of a Newcastle player who was sold for £25m in the summer transfer window.

Allan Saint-Maximin's season in numbers so far

After departing Tyneside for pastures new a few months ago, Allan Saint-Maximin is currently shining at his new club.

nico-williams-allan-saint-maximin-newcastle-transfer-premier-league

He joined Al-Ahli among many other stars in Saudi Arabia and has since become a pivotal part of the team. So much so that the France international has even managed to garner more assists (9) whilst with the Saudi Pro League side.

Saint-Maximin made himself into something of a 'cult hero' after joining Newcastle for a fee in the region of £16m. Although during his time in Tyneside, he wasn't the most consistent of players, as shown by his 34 goal contributions in 124 games, there was the odd moment of brilliance which the winger had in his locker.

Upon leaving the Magpies, he wrote a heartfelt message to fans which stated: "I fell for Newcastle, I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late I was already in love, I wanted, I needed, I had to stay for helping my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world for me."

"Of course during those dark days some may have had their doubts, but I always believed in this club and look where we are today, it's just so beautiful. I'm leaving Newcastle as it should always have been and that's my greatest trophy because I was a part of it."

Despite joining the club being relatively unknown, the passion and desire when he wore the black and white of Newcastle was unmatched.

So, it is nice to see that he is once again finding his feet in a new league, and, who knows, we could be seeing him returning to Europe in the near future.

Robertson starts & "immense" gem out in predicted Liverpool XI vs Norwich

Liverpool supporters may still be reeling from Jurgen Klopp's announcement that he will be stepping down from his managerial position at the Anfield helm at the end of the season, but the action continues and the Reds now await the visit of Norwich City in the FA Cup fourth round.

The Championship side defeated Bristol Rovers in the third round to earn a trip to Merseyside, and while Liverpool will be confident of advancing, the Canaries have lost just one of their past six fixtures across all competitions.

Jurgen Klopp

Nonetheless, Liverpool held off Fulham to qualify for the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea earlier this week, topped their Europa League group and are perched atop the Premier League table with a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City (who do have a game in hand).

With a double Premier League header forthcoming next week, Klopp might look to make some rotations for the FA Cup clash, with as many as four changes from the team that defeated the Cottagers on Wednesday night.

1 GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

With Chelsea visiting Anfield on Wednesday before a crucial weekend clash at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, Alisson might find himself with a prolonged break as Caoimhin Kelleher retains his spot between the sticks on Sunday afternoon, having featured 12 times across all competitions this term.

2 RB – Conor Bradley

hayden-hackney-conor-bradley-liverpool-opinion

What an impact Conor Bradley has made since bursting onto the scene at the start of the month, impressing off the bench against Arsenal, winning Man of the Match in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg and keeping a clean sheet on his Premier League debut last weekend.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is on the cusp of a return from injury but it would be unwise to chuck him right back into the mix and Bradley will start once again.

3 CB – Jarell Quansah

Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.

This time last season, Jarell Quansah was honing his craft in League One with Bristol Rovers but has been a resounding success this term, having scored once and supplied three assists from 16 senior showings for Liverpool.

Moreover, the 20-year-old titan ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 10% for pass completion, the top 20% for successful take-ons and the top 6% for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref.

4 CB – Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool ace Ibrahima Konate.

Virgil van Dijk is an "immense" player, as was said by The Times' Henry Winter, but he started against Fulham and Ibrahima Konate will partner Quansah in the FA Cup for the second time this season.

The Frenchman is a monstrous presence at the back and while Joel Matip's season-ending injury in December was a huge blow, he has alleviated the worries with some stunning displays of late.

5 LB – Andrew Robertson

Andy Robertson.

Andrew Robertson has been sidelined since October after injuring his shoulder on international duty with Scotland, sitting on the bench against Fulham this week but not gracing the field.

The dynamic left-back is one of the best in the business and while Joe Gomez has performed absence in his absence of late, Robertson is creative and cultured and will use the Norwich contest to rekindle his fitness.

6 DM – Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister.

Alexis Mac Allister has been in mesmerising form since returning from a knee injury at the start of January, with The Athletic's James Pearce remarking that he was "so good" as the Reds defeated the Cherries 4-0.

With Wataru Endo still competing at the Asia Cup with Japan, the £35m summer signing will retain his spot and look to orchestrate play against second-tier opposition.

7 CM – Harvey Elliott

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott.

Harvey Elliott has been largely restricted to starting berths in cup competitions this season but, still only 20, remains one of English football's most promising young outlets.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Passing

Aerial duels

Key passes

Tackling

Through balls

Long shots

Source: WhoScored

As per FBref, the £40k-per-week ace ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 5% for touches in the attacking box per 90, so he will certainly have a say on the effectiveness of Liverpool's attacking efforts.

8 CM – Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones.

Curtis Jones is becoming increasingly important in Liverpool's first-team and is starting to dig up goals and assists to complement his technically proficient style in the engine room.

BBC Sport analyst Raj Chohan has heralded the 22-year-old's "phenomenal" ball retention and his prowess in this regard will be crucial in nullifying the Norwich threat.

9 RW – Cody Gakpo

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo.

At right wing, Cody Gakpo will be expected to retain his spot after starring from the flank earlier this week, though he was unable to continue his four-match scoring streak in the Carabao Cup.

Gakpo also started on the right when Liverpool defeated Arsenal in the previous round and will look to latch onto Elliott's creativity behind him to enter double digits for striking this season.

10 CF – Darwin Nunez

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez

Darwin Nunez bagged twice against Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend to take his seasonal tally up to ten goals and ten assists apiece.

Still dividing opinion, with his wayward finishing marring exemplary application and creative influence to make a marked improvement on Liverpool's fluency, the Uruguayan will hope to fire himself into something of a purple patch with a big effort tomorrow.

Romano: Nottingham Forest take major step in £14m deal for Chuba Akpom

Despite leaving it late, Nottingham Forest have stolen the headlines yet again in the late stages of the window with the arrival of Giovanni Reyna from Borussia Dortmund. And, now, things could be about to get even better for the fans at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

After arriving on loan, Reyna expressed his delight about the move, telling Forest's YouTube channel: "A big part of me coming here was the coaching staff and Nuno. I know a lot about the team with a lot of very talented young players. It felt like the perfect decision for me.

“I’m really excited to be here. The club and the team is a really good opportunity for me, so I’m just really happy to be here and can’t wait to get started. I’m so excited. I know the history of the club and the experience you get of playing in this stadium. I’m looking forward to Sunday against Bournemouth and then Wednesday against Bristol City. I’m looking forward to both games and am ready to go.”

Meanwhile, Forest also welcomed young forward Rodrigo Ribeiro from Sporting Club, further adding to Nuno Espirito Santo's offensive options.

They're not done there, either, it seems. According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have submitted an official bid to sign Chuba Akpom on loan with an option to buy of €16m (£14m) from Ajax. The buy option will reportedly become an obligation if Forest avoid relegation from the Premier League this season. Having previously starred for Middlesborough in the Championship, Akpom could finally get his Premier League chance at Nottingham Forest before the deadline.

"Strong" Akpom deserves Premier League chance again

Having previously failed to cement himself in the Premier League as a young Arsenal player, Akpom has more than earned a second chance at England's top flight, especially after his resurgent form at Ajax this season. The forward has bounced back from initial struggles to score nine goals in 20 appearances, and Akpom's stats last season show he can get even better in English football.

Goals

28

Expected Goals

21.9

Assists

2

Key Passes

23

That said, it comes as no surprise that Boro boss Michael Carrick was full of praise for his forward last season, saying via The Northern Echo: "He's a strong boy Chubs, when he squeezed me it caught me off guard. I just love to see the lads fulfilling what they're capable of and their potential.

"Winning football matches is fantastic and seeing goals go in is brilliant but seeing them play with a smile and enjoying themselves and actually understanding how good they can be gives me great satisfaction. I'm delighted for him. He's going through that patch where he believes he will score and he could have scored more so he's probably a bit disappointed."

Ollie Robinson's devastating spell has Middlesex staring at prospect of heavy defeat to Sussex

Robinson claims four wickets with hosts still 282 runs behind

ECB Reporters Network04-Jun-2019

Ollie Robinson celebrates a wicket•Getty Images

Sussex pace bowler Ollie Robinson left Middlesex facing the prospect of their heaviest County Championship defeat of the modern era after a rain-affected third day at Lord’sThe right-arm seamer tore out the heart out of the home side’s top order with figures of 4 for 23, which included a burst of 3 for 8 in 14 balls.When the weather closed in to provide temporary respite for the beleaguered Seaxes they were 61 for 4 still needing 282 to make Sussex bat again.Perhaps more pertinently, Stuart Law’s side require a further 51 to better their loss by an innings and 232 runs to Sussex at Lord’s in 2005 – their worst defeat against a county side since before the outbreak of World War II.Robinson, in his first match since injuring his shoulder against Durham in April, had taken three wickets on the first day as the Lord’s tenants were hustled out for 138. In more seamer friendly conditions he was close to unplayable second time around.The 25-year-old and his new-ball partner Mir Hamza set Middlesex openers Max Holden and Sam Robson a searching examination in the morning gloom.Both bowlers beat the bat a number of times and it was no surprise when Holden edged a ball leaving him a touch on the off-stump line to Luke Wells at fourth slip.Holden will have been left doubly frustrated by the fact just four balls later, rain and bad light intervened for the first time, driving the players off for an early lunch.The shortened first session meant Robinson had plenty of energy in reserve to take up where he left off upon the resumption and he did so to devastating effect.Moving the ball both ways off the seam, he castled Robson with one which trapped the batsman on the crease and bowled him through the gate.Home skipper Dawid Malan was then undone by one which went the other way, feathering the thinnest of edges to Chris Jordan at first slip.Worse was to come for Middlesex when Stevie Eskinazi poked tentatively at another ball on a nagging off-stump line to give Wells his second catch of the day.Nick Gubbins and James Harris staved off any further drama before the rain came again to prevent any further play.

Chelsea eyeing bid to sign Dovbyk in January after update shared on Jackson

As 2023 comes to a close, Chelsea will reflect on arguably their worst year in Premier League history, when taking into account the money that they spent and where it landed them. The Blues splashed the cash in the last 12 months, but it was to no avail. Even after a busy summer transfer window and the addition of former Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, they remain stranded in 10th.

Their most recent victory – a 3-2 thriller against Luton Town – at least handed Chelsea some hope ahead of next year, and the potential addition of one particular forward target could lead to things finally turning around at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea transfer news

The London giants attempted to finally put an end to their striker problem in the summer, welcoming both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. Jackson, however, has scored just seven Premier League goals, with three of those coming in one game against Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, Nkunku has only just made his return from injury and needs time before his impact can be judged. With the former heading off for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in January, however, Chelsea may need to turn to the transfer window no matter what, which could see them land a solution for Pochettino.

Chelsea rumoured striker targets for January

Latest update

Claudio Echeverri

19th December

Santiago Gimenez

18th December

Dusan Vlahovic

15th December

Victor Osimhen

15th December

Viktor Gyokeres

12th December

According to The Sun, Chelsea are lining up a move to sign Girona forward Artem Dovbyk, who could be sold for around £39m. If the Blues manage to make room for the forward through the departure of Armando Broja, then they could land the potential solution to their goalscoring problems, with Pochettino impressed with the striker's 6ft 2 physical profile.

Dovbyk, of course, is part of a Girona side gunning for a shock La Liga title win and has more than played an important role in that title pursuit. With Chelsea reportedly interested, however, it remains to be seen whether he'll stay put. The Blues could be boosted by the fact that Dovbyk's agent is the same as Mykhailo Mudryk's, making any deal potentially easier.

"Sensational" Dovbyk could be an upgrade on Jackson

When compared, Dovbyk's stats stand tall against Jackson's this season, who has struggled to make an impact at times. The Girona star has found the back of the net a total of 12 times and has set up a further six goals in all competitions. Jackson, meanwhile, has scored eight and set up two in all competitions. At 26 years old, the La Liga forward could be in his prime, perhaps making now the perfect time for Chelsea to make their move.

Earning plenty of deserved praise this season, Girona manager Michel had nothing but good things to say after the forward's performance against Barcelona. He said:

"I haven’t seen the statistics, but I saw a dominant Barca, and they had many shots on goal, but Girona was as always, and I like it. Last year we had no chance of winning and lost 0:1. On a tactical level, Xavi wanted to press us, but we managed to overcome the high press. We used the space, Dovbyk and Tsygankov played a sensational game in the first half."

تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام الرأس الأخضر في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا.. محمد صلاح يقود الهجوم

أعلن الجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر، بقيادة حسام حسن، تشكيل الفراعنة لمباراة الرأس الأخضر، في المباراة التي تقام بينهما اليوم الجمعة، بـ تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025.

وتقام المباراة بين مصر والرأس الأخضر على أرضية ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي ضمن مواجهات الجولة الأولى لحساب المجموعة الثالثة من تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا.

طالع | بدلاء منتخب مصر أمام الرأس الأخضر.. حجازي يجاور النني

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة التي تضم إلى جواره منتخبات الرأس الأخضر وبوتسوانا وموريتانيا.

ويتأهل لنهائيات كأس أمم إفريقيا المقبلة متصدر ووصيف كل مجموعة، مكونين 24 منتخبا، هم قوام نهائيات كان المقبلة.

وشهد تشكيل منتخب مصر، تواجد الثلاثي عمر مرموش ومحمد صلاح ومصطفى محمد، في قيادة الهجوم. تشكيل منتخب مصر اليوم أمام الرأس الأخضر

حراسة المرمي: محمد الشناوي.

خط الدفاع: محمد هاني، حمدي فتحي، رامي ربيعة ومحمد حمدي.

خط الوسط: محمود تريزيجيه، مروان عطية وأحمد سيد زيزو.

خط الهجوم: عمر مرموش، محمد صلاح ومصطفى محمد.

£4m Leeds man has had a nightmare after exiting Elland Road

Leeds United currently feel like a different team compared to the one that was relegated from the Premier League last term. The Yorkshire club are sitting third in the Championship and have been piling pressure on Ipswich Town and Leicester City above them.

Goals are flying in and the team are keeping plenty of clean sheets as of late, yet perhaps head coach Daniel Farke isn't receiving the plaudits that he truly deserves. When he took over, Leeds seemed like a toxic wasteland, with a bloated squad on extortionate wages. Now, after one transfer window, there seems to be a togetherness once more in the team.

Farke acted quickly to clean house, removing players from the squad who either wanted to leave or overstayed their welcome. One player in particular, who was part of Farke's vigorous clearout, has had a disastrous time at his new club.

Tyler Roberts' time at Leeds

In 2018, one of Thomas Christiansen's last acts as manager of Leeds United was to sign Tyler Roberts from West Bromwich Albion for an initial £2.5m, with the fee expected to rise to £4m in add-ons.

The attacker arrived at Elland Road with a slight knock, ruling him out for the first few weeks. However, things went downhill rapidly for Roberts as he cracked his shin bone while recovering from his initial injury, which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Nevertheless, Roberts eventually made his competitive debut for the Whites under the legendary coach Marcelo Bielsa and went on to make 108 appearances for the club, including 50 in the Premier League.

However, in his 108 games with Leeds, the Welshman bagged merely nine goals and recorded ten assists.

In contrast, Crysencio Summerville has managed 15 goal contributions this term in 18 matches and is just four from Roberts' tally.

Tyler Roberts at Leeds United

Season

Appearances

Minutes

Goals

Assists

2018/19

31

2,081

3

6

2019/20

23

1,084

4

1

2020/21

34

1,742

5

4

2021/22

27

1,187

2

1

2022/23

20

1,228

4

0

Stats by Transfermarkt

After a loan move to Queens Park Rangers in the previous campaign, Roberts was eventually sold during the most recent summer transfer window to Birmingham City for a fee rumoured to be worth just £750k, having become nothing but a bit-part player at Leeds.

Tyler Roberts' stats this season

Roberts was handed a four-year contract with the Blues when former manager John Eustace was in charge, a decision which seems questionable in hindsight. The 24-year-old made his debut on the opening day of the Championship campaign away at Swansea City, lasting 61 minutes on the pitch before being subbed off. Unfortunately, this was Roberts' only appearance for the Blues.

The ex-Leeds star suffered a calf injury in training a few days before he would play his former club back in August and has been absent from the Birmingham squad ever since, a time period which has seen a new manager take charge in the St. Andrew's dugout in the form of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.

Roberts has now missed 21 matches through injury this season which is more than at any other stage over the past five seasons, the second-longest being an 81-day absence with a torn thigh muscle during his spell with Leeds two years ago.

The 20-cap Wales international endured a lot of criticism from the Leeds fanbase, particularly during the side's spell in the Premier League under Bielsa. The Athletic journalist Phil Hay admitted that the coach persevered with the young forward because he "obviously rates him" but Roberts has been proving the critics right since leaving Elland Road, seeing little over an hour's worth of action at Birmingham City.

Daniel Alves elogia trabalho de Diniz no São Paulo: 'Espetacular'

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois da entrevista coletiva de Raí, foi a vez de Daniel Alves, camisa dez e capitão do São Paulo, falar com os jornalistas na tarde desta quinta-feira. Entre os diversos assuntos, o meia falou sobre o trabalho do técnico Fernando Diniz no comando do clube.

Internacional, São Caetano, Inter de Limeira… Relembre as piores derrotas do São Paulo no Morumbi

Ele saiu em defesa do comandante são-paulino, mesmo após a goleada sofrida por 5 a 1 para o Internacional, em pleno Morumbi. Segundo o camisa dez do Tricolor, o trabalho de Diniz é espetacular, não somente pelos resultados dentro de campo, mas especialmente fora dele.

SIMULE OS PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DO SÃO PAULO NO BRASILEIRÃO

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– O trabalho do Diniz é espetacular por uma razão. Não foi um treinador que teve muita possibilidade de contratações, e segundo que foi um treinador que teve que potencializar, ensinar e encorajar jogadores que estavam desacreditados por todos, pela imprensa, por nossos torcedores, a dar um passo a frente, a ser muito melhor do que eram – afirmou, em entrevista coletiva.

Daniel também ressaltou o segundo ele, bom trabalho de Diniz na parte psicológica do elenco, ajudando a formar pessoas melhores.

– O grande trabalho do Diniz vem a partir do momento em que ele não se preocupa só em criar grandes jogadores, mas sim grandes seres humanos, que vão sair melhor do que eram daqui. O Diniz, no dia que não estiver mais aqui, vai deixar uma grande base, não só monetária, mas pessoal também para o São Paulo. Serão pessoas que vão influenciar outras a não seres omissas – finalizou o capitão.

O trabalho do treinador são-paulino vem sendo questionado, principalmente depois da perda da liderança no Brasileirão. Uma reunião nesta quinta-feira sacramentou a continuidade de Diniz, que ganhou mais uma chance para o confronto contra o Coritiba, às 19h, no Morumbi, sábado (23).

Ada Hegerberg is going nowhere! Ballon d'Or winner commits future to Lyon as she pens new contract

Former Ballon d'Or winner and Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

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  • Hegerberg extended Lyon stay
  • Signed a new three-year deal with club
  • Barcelona wanted to sign the forward
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    There were speculations over the 28-year-old's future with the French club with Barcelona reportedly interested in signing the forward in the summer but she has now put pen to paper on a new contract that keeps her at the club until 2027.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Hegerberg joined Les Fenottes in 2014 and in the last nine seasons, she has won 23 trophies with the club which include eight Division 1 titles and six Women's Champions League trophies. The Norwegian bagged the prestigious Ballon d'Or in the inaugural season of the award – 2018.

  • WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

    The official statement on the club's star player's contract extension read, "Norway and Olympique Lyonnais superstar Ada Hegerberg continues her adventure with the French giants. Hegerberg’s future has dominated the transfer windows over the years, as the saga of a potential move to FC Barcelona kept fans and media busy on numerous occasions. It is now sorted with the 28-year-old forward extending her stay at Lyon until 2027, in a major coup from the French club. Despite the change of ownership and intense courtship from some of the best teams in the world, Hegerberg, the first Ballon d’Or and top goalscorer in UWCL history, has opted for stability. The summer of 2024 will mark her tenth year anniversary with the club.'

    After signing the deal, Hegerberg said, "I’m glad we were able to make it happen. The story is yet to end. I firmly believe we have the team to win more trophies in the coming years, and the support we need to keep the team and the club at the highest level possible."

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  • Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR ADA HEGERBERG?

    The player will be next seen in action on Saturday as Sonia Bompastor's side take on Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final clash.

Christian Pulisic proves he can thrive at No. 10 position as USMNT star scores stunning goal in lopsided AC Milan win over Lecce

Christian Pulisic impressed in a different role for AC Milan, scoring the opening goal of a 3-0 win over Lecce on Saturday.

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Pulisic dazzles as No. 10Scores first goal of 3-0 winHas 10 league goals this seasonGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Milan battered Lecce throughout the 90 minutes, with Pulisic's sixth-minute opener setting the tone for a lopsided win. The American's spectacular curled finish gave Milan the 1-0 lead, and they never looked back.

Olivier Giroud made it 2-0 in the 20th minute, all but putting the game out of reach for Lecce. Nikola Krstovic's 45th-minute red card made matters worse for visitors, who had little chance of toppling AC Milan at San Siro while down a man.

They did have a penalty shout in the 57th minute but, just seconds after the referee waved it off, Rafael Leao darted down the other end to score Milan's third of the game.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With the win, Milan maintain their stranglehold on second in Serie A, which is almost certainly where they'll stay for the remainder of the season. The Rossonerri are nine points ahead of Juve, although the Old Lady have a game in hand. Milan are also 11 points behind league leaders Inter, who also have one extra game still to play.

Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT

Pulisic continues to dazzle for Milan, even when played in a new position.

With both Leao and Samuel Chukwueze in the XI, Pulisic started in more of a No. 10 role as the more central of the three. It didn't take long for him to make an impact in that role, getting his goal just six minutes in partially thanks to the good work of Chukwueze on that right-hand side.

Could this No. 10 spot be a consistent role for Pulisic? Possibly. In January, Stefano Pioli said that he'd like to see Pulisic play as a trequartista, but had not had the chance due to Chukwueze's absence during the African Cup of Nations.

The American star certainly made his mark in the role on Saturday, proving that he can play anywhere in the attack as he continues to be vital for Milan. With his goal, he now has 10 league finishes this season, behind only Olivier Giroud's 12. It's the best single-season tally of his career, having never reached double-digit league goals at Chelsea or Borussia Dortmund.

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GettyGOAL'S RATINGS

Christian Pulisic (7/10):

Scored a stunning goal and nearly got another one, only to force a really good save. Didn't get on the ball as much as he could have, but he did make the most of it when he did.

Yunus Musah (6/10):

Came on midway through the second half. Moved the ball well, but the life was very much out of the game by that point due to Milan's huge lead.

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