The American recovered from a hamstring niggle picked up after the Boxing Day game against Southampton to start on the South Coast for the trip to Brighton. He completed an hour before being replaced, and in that time registered a game-high five attempts on goal. Alas, none went in, and a late and spectacular Brighton strike cancelled out Cesar Azpilicueta’s early opener.

‘Before half-time we had a chance to kill the game and we weren’t able to,’ noted Pulisic.

‘We have had troubles with putting the game to bed this year. It’s a mixture of mentality and technical training. We need to do a bit more to keep going, attack, create chances and have that killer instinct.

‘It’s about being clinical, experience and knowing how to manage a game. We’re missing that a bit, I can do better with that as well, playing the right pass or finding the right shot.’

Pulisic has enjoyed his first Christmas in England despite that minor injury setback, buoyed by having family over from the States to spend it with. Now he will get another fresh experience to enjoy, the third round of the FA Cup.

‘Of course I know about the FA Cup, it’s another competition, another chance for a trophy and we want to win it.

‘We’re going to give everything and I’m really excited for it.’