Pulisic and Robinson shine as Pochettino moves closer to first trophy in new job

Talisman Christian Pulisic starred with two first-half goals before Ricardo Pepi and Tim Weah helped secure progression with a terrific 4-2 victory on the night, 5-2 on aggregate.

Pepi notched the only goal of the game in the first leg of the tie as Everton defender Mason Holgate saw red late on.

The second leg was marked by discontent from the Jamaica camp as Michail Antonio and Leon Dixon had to pull out due to losing their passports and being unable to travel to the U.S.

Whether that had any impact on proceedings, the U.S. came out in dominant fashion and after Weah hit the woodwork early on, Milan star Pulisic gave his country the lead with a superb first-time finish.

Pulisic then notched a second with a deflected effort from the edge of the box before Pepi made it 3-0 before half-time.

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Former Leicester and Everton winger Demarai Gray scored to give Jamaica hope early into the second half but Weah finished spectacularly at the back post shortly after.

The drama didn't end there, though, with Gray adding a second to make it 4-2 with just over 20 minutes left to play.

Here, talkSPORT.com looks over those who starred and those who did not.

Captain America

Pulisic is enjoying the best season of his career in Italy's Serie A and he continued his fine campaign against Jamaica, earning a 9/10 rating.

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Outside of his two goals, the national captain ran the show from the middle of the park linking up beautifully with Weah on the left and Pepi up front.

Quite simply, Jamaica could not get anywhere close to stopping Pulisic and Pochettino will be grateful to have such a player - in such form - at his disposal.

Exhausting to Watch

Antonee Robinson seemed to thoroughly enjoy his time on the pitch against Jamaica, barely having to do any defending in the first half while constantly breaking up the pitch to support in attack.

It was exhausting just to watch Robinson's continuous lung-busting runs as he connected particularly effectively with Pulisic.

The 27-year-old Fulham full-back picked up an assist for Pepi's goal, operating as a hugely influential part of the U.S. attack and getting an 8/10 rating from us.

Start of Redemption

The last time we saw Weah in a U.S. shirt he was stupidly sent off against Panama, a major factor in his country's Copa America elimination in the group stage.

Back in the side for the first time since that infamous moment, the Juventus man was a constant threat on the left flank, marking his performance with a stunning goal.

talkSPORT has given him an 8/10 and if he can continue this type of form, the U.S. could have a seriously exciting attacking unit for years to come.

Positive Momentum

The United States are next in action in January when they take on Venezuela in a friendly.

Pochettino and U.S. fans alike will feel hugely optimistic after the success of this latest international break particularly after a mixed start in October.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss has now won three of his four games in charge, the lone defeat coming at the hands of rivals Mexico last month.

Having won a league and cup during his time as Paris Saint-Germain boss, he is now a step closer to a first trophy as national coach.

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The semi-finals of the Nations League take place on 20 March with the final, at the SoFi Stadium in California, on 23 March.

Lose and he would make some unwanted history given the United States have a perfect record since CONCACAF introduced the tourenament in 2019. Since it began, the US have won all three editions.

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