...to The Tap-Inn. Where you can tap in to the world of soccer with me, your first-gen Irish Tap-Inn bartender, Joe.

My brothers and sisters. If anyone has an inordinate amount of cotton wool lying around anywhere, please send it Captain America‘s way pronto. Chris is in dire need of some care and protection.

“Chris Evans? The Marvel movies guy?”

No not that Chris, the other one - Christian Pulisic. The man’s recent red-hot form has left me sweatin’ buckets thinking about what would happen if he got injured before the WC and missed the tournament of his life.

“Joe, I swear to God if you just jinxed that - ”

Shhhh I didn’t say nothing. Let’s tap in.

Well let’s take a look at the numbers, shall we? After another brace (2 goals) against Torino on Monday, here’s where CP ranks in his attacking stats when compared with the rest of Serie A:

Not too shabby, Chris.

Despite only playing 9 of 14 games this season due to injuries, Mr Pulisic is in the form of his life. He’s already bettered his total league goals for the season in 7 of the 11 years he’s been a professional soccer player - and it’s only December.

“Joe, that’s the best news I’ve heard in years”

Right back at you, reader. However… with just under 6 months to go before the World Cup kicks off, there’s a strong chance that the USMNT’s star player has peaked too early. Right now, the numbers tell us he’s the most creative and lethal player in Italy.

Fingers crossed the numbers still tell the same story come June 11th. 🤞

What is the furthest the USMNT have ever advanced in a FIFA World Cup?

Man City continued their rich vein of form with a statement win against Real Madrid. Erling Haaland scored the winner in a result that piles the pressure on Real coach, Xabi Alonso.

In a routine win against Club Brugge, Arsenal gave a debut to another teenager. 16-year-old Marli Salmon became the youngest defender to make his debut in the UCL. There’s a drink waiting for him at The Tap-Inn (in 5 years time when he’s old enough to drink it, of course).

A sharp McKennie finish on 67 minutes broke the deadlock before Jonathan David added a second, keeping Juve firmly in the hunt for knockout qualification. More of the same please, Weston.

Joe’s picks for the weekend ahead:

Arsenal vs Wolves - 3pm EST Saturday - LIVE ON NBC

Can the Gunners bounce back from last week’s loss to Aston Villa against a pitiful Wolves side? Wolves only have 2 points from a possible 45 in the Premier League.

A certain Arsenal win, right? Right??

Crystal Palace vs Man City - 9am EST Saturday - LIVE ON PEACOCK

An unlikely Top 4 clash as high-flying Crystal Palace face off against 2nd-place Man City in London. This would usually be a walk in the park for Man City, but Oliver Glasner’s Palace may have a shock in store for them.

The False Nine: A striker who drops into midfield instead of staying up front. The aim is to confuse defenders, dragging them out of position and creating space for your teammates. 🪄

Lionel Messi famously played this position when he was managed by Pep Guardiola at Barcelona.

There are only three under-16 players to ever feature in the Champions League and all of them played for one club: Arsenal.

Who are they? Jack Wilshere, Max Dowman, Marli Salmon (pictured below).

The USMNT’s deepest run was actually in the first ever World Cup in 1930, where they made it to the semi-finals.

I think 96 years has been a long enough wait for another such run. Roll on June, baby. 💥

Thanks for stopping by The Tap-Inn.

If you enjoyed this, forward it to that friend who knows nothing about soccer and help spread the good word.

I’ll be behind the bar every week, Monday and Friday, serving up soccer. Sláinte.

— Joe