The best news of the weekend for Mauricio Pochettino and the United States men’s national team was not Ricardo Pepithe rating form of or Sergiño DestIt’s a moment of genius. (More on that later.) No, Pochettino was undoubtedly very comforted by the sight of Antonee Robinson in Fulham uniform for first time in over two months and in a Premier League starting line-up for the first time since May.
Returning from a persistent knee problem, the veteran left-back overcame a difficult start to help score a goal in a 90-minute effort in Cottagers win 3-2 at Burnley – their first victory at Turf Moor in 74 years.
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“I had no doubts,” Fulham manager Marco Silva said. “He’s a great athlete. We know what he’s capable of and he’s shown it. He’s a very important player for us.”
Robinson had not played since a brief appearance against Aston Villa on September 28. In all competitions, his previous start came on September 23 against fourth-tier Cambridge United in the League Cup, but when it came to the Premier League, his absence from the lineup dated back to the May 25 season finale against Manchester City.
Robinson — who hasn’t played for the U.S. team in more than a year — was called up to the U.S. camp in October, but suffered a setback and did not participate in the two friendlies. Subsequently, he was unavailable for last month’s camp.
Antonee Robinson played 90 minutes and helped score a goal in his first Premier League start since May, a welcome sight for the United States men’s national team.
(Alex Livesey via Getty Images)
If Robinson stays healthy and earns regular playing time in the coming months, Pochettino seems certain to call him up to the March camp in Atlanta for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. It is the last meeting before Pochettino names his World Cup squad at the end of May, two weeks before the tournament begins.
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In Robinson’s absence, Pochettino turned to the Columbus Crew. Max Arfstenand to a lesser extent, that of Holstein Kiel John Tolkinon the left side. In his first year in the national team, Arfsten rewarded Pochettino’s faith with growing confidence to move forward and contribute to the attack.
Arfsten finished second on the U.S. team in matches played this year with 16, one behind the Real Salt Lake forward. Diego Moonand tied for first place with New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese in starts (13). Robinson’s experience, however, would provide a notable advantage starting the World Cup opener against Paraguay – if, of course, he is healthy.
Elsewhere in Europe…
The Netherlands
Pepi, who is in contention for one of three U.S. striker spots next summer, converted a penalty in the 20th minute to extend his goalscoring streak to four matches as first. PSV Eindhoven beat Heracles 4-3.
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According to OptaPepi is the first Netherlands-based US national team player to score four times in a row in all competitions since Aron Johannsson for AZ Alkmaar in 2013-14.
After spending most of his season marred by injuries, Pepi started three consecutive Eredivisie matches, each with a goal. His other score during the streak came in a substitution against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
Pepi is not the only American to succeed at PSV. Dest, the starting right-back, produced a brilliant run in the 81st minute to score Guus Til’s winner as the club improved to 14-1-1 and increased their lead to nine points over Feyenoord.
Italy
Christian Pulisic connected 73 minutes AC Milan draw 2-2 at home against Sassuoloa disappointing result which left them one point behind new favorites Inter Milan, but which nevertheless extended the club’s unbeaten streak in the league to 14.
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Pulisic should have been credited with his eighth Serie A goal in the 57th minute, but his deflection inside the penalty area was canceled out by a doubtful fault on a teammate.
After another goal in the Champions League, midfielder Weston McKennie played 90 like Juventus overtook Bologna for fifth place with a 1-0 victory.
midfielder Yunus Moussa entered in the 66th minute of Atalanta win 2-1 over Cagliari.
In Serie B, goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsman The match restarted as third-placed Cesena completed a two-goal comeback and beat Mantova 3-2 to move closer to an automatic promotion point.
England
Central defender Chris Richards and fifth-placed Crystal Palace were unable to stop Erling Haaland, the Manchester City giant who scored twice in a 3-0 result.
midfielder Brendan Aaronson entered in the 73rd minute as Leeds United rallied for a 1-1 draw at Brentford. In 17th place, Leeds are three points above the relegation zone.
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midfielder Tyler Adams expected to return from a yellow card suspension on Monday for Bournemouth visit Manchester United.
In the second end championship, the attacker Haji Wright played 81 minutes and contributed to the goal while Coventry City, leaders maintained their five-point lead over Middlesbrough with a 1-0 victory against Bristol City.
Middlesbrough midfielder Aidan Morris (leg injury) missed his fourth consecutive game. Norwich City striker Josh Sargent (six goals, three assists) was sidelined due to a concussion suffered last week. Before Patrick Agyemang (three goals, three assists) and Derby County will travel to last place Sheffield on Monday.
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Germany
After maintaining a low profile, the midfielder Gio Reyna gets opportunities with Mönchengladbach. However, his third consecutive start lasted just 57 minutes in a 3–1 home defeat to Wolfsburg. His first-half cross led to his club’s only score – a header own goal.
Coach Eugen Polaski was generally pleased with Reyna’s progress, saying Friday: “We wanted to gradually integrate him more and generate more playing time. For that to happen, it was crucial that Gio accepted him the way he did. I’ve rarely seen a training session from him that I wasn’t happy with, and I recently saw some values I hadn’t seen before.”
Joe ScallyReyna’s club and home teammate, served a yellow card suspension.
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midfielder Malik Tillman received high marks for his 86-minute fourth-place effort Bayer Leverkusen beat Cologne 2-0.
Central defender Noahkai Banks played 90 minutes in Augsburg’s 1-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, while midfielder James Sands did the same as second-last St. Pauli beat second-last Heidenheim 2-1.
In the second division, Tolkin scored 90 as Holstein Kiel scored late to draw 3-3 at Magdeburg.
France
Marseille Olympic Tim Weah and that of Monaco Folarin Balogun clashed, both playing 90 minutes. In the 1-0 result, Marseille scored the home winner about a minute after the video replay disallowed Balogun’s apparent goal for offside. At the start of the second half, Balogun was ruled offside on Lamine Camara’s apparent goal.
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Central defender Mark McKenzie helped Toulouse achieve their second consecutive shutout, shutting out Paris FC 3-0.
Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Tanner Tessmann Left sidelined with a thigh injury, he missed the 1-0 victory against Le Havre.
Others
In the Scottish League Cup final, central defender Faithful Auston played 90 minutes in Celtic’s 3-1 defeat to lowly St. Mirren – the third defeat in a row under new coach Wilfried Nancy.
In Spanish La Liga, Atlético Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso was in uniform but did not play in a 2-1 win over Valencia – the third time in four matches that he has not come off the bench.
