Every few months we will get a moment in football that sparks pundits, journalists and fans to come to the realisation that 'players are human too'. Any time I hear this line, it's tinged with sarcasm but it also reflects a sad reality in the modern game.
In the world of social media which can be a home for the most toxic of fan behaviour, the idea players can fail and require sympathy rather than unrelenting abuse is unlikely to gain you many retweets. This really hit home when I was alerted to a clip posted on Twitter, originally from a YouTube video during Chelsea's draw with Leicester City last week.
Uploaded by channel Extraordinary Pig's Stadium, the video taken from the West Stand towards the East focuses on the Chelsea bench during the second half.
READ MORE: Christian Pulisic drops worrying Chelsea transfer hint ahead of Thomas Tuchel meeting
Both N'Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic have just been substituted as the video zooms in to show the American winger looking visibly frustrated. Later on in the video, Mason Mount notices Pulisic's expression and moves over to console him.
For context, Pulisic had just come off following a poor miss in front of The Shed End. With the game at 1-1, Pulisic guided a shot wide of the post as the goal was gaping as it appeared easier to put away than not. Pulisic did not hide his frustration at his mistake on the pitch but this moment after he was subbed off appears to show a player struggling. Pulisic had also missed chances in the FA Cup Final defeat to Liverpool which he received criticism for.
The USA international has recently updated his Instagram account, removing references to Chelsea in his bio and profile picture, thus adding to the speculation over his future in addition to the deleted tweet from his father Mark, which further suggested frustration over his game time under Thomas Tuchel.
Like many in the current squad, Pulisic will aim to clarify his future following the confirmation of Todd Boehly's takeover, and there have already been suggestions a departure could be on the cards. The video only tells part of a story but it is not ludicrous to suggest Pulisic has endured a difficult time at Stamford Bridge.
Persistent injuries and spells in and out of the team have disrupted his rhythm, though the jury is still out over his ability to become a trusted player for the Blues in the long term. Pulisic's visible frustration could be compared to the abuse online of Andreas Christensen, who is on his way to Barcelona this summer.
Following his late omission from the FA Cup final, some turned on the academy graduate, with toxicity towards him having arguably been growing long before then.
We only get brief glimpses at players' lives, but the video of Pulisic should not spark further derision, but rather sympathy and curiosity over someone who, as Mount showed, needs support.
