Lampard’s honeymoon period is over – Chelsea need to improve
After a sensational start to his career as Chelsea manager, Lampard’s team has had a dip in form heading into the busy Christmas period.
Ahead of the season, many people predicted Chelsea to drop out of the top 6 completely this season, and they really had a case too.
The best player at the club, Eden Hazard, left in the summer, and Chelsea were unable to sign players due to a transfer ban. This, along with Frank Lampard entering his first year in top-flight management following 1 year with Derby County, left Chelsea looking inexperienced and raw heading into the season.
Well, we’ve all been proven wrong, as the likes of Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, and Tammy Abraham, who were all playing in the Championship last season, have carried Chelsea to some impressive results, as they sit in a comfortable top 4 position.
However, Frank Lampard’s side has been poor over the last few games, and they will have to be checking their shoulders for teams like Spurs, Manchester United and Arsenal, who will no doubt be charging for top 4 spots as the season goes on.
Against Ajax in the midweek Champions League match, Chelsea were awful and truthfully lucky to escape with a point. The same could be said about the first match between the 2 sides, which finished 4-4 earlier this month.
Lampard says it is not a time for harsh reactions as we have not been below par much this season. He says it is time for character with the Aston Villa game coming quickly. He adds that this time we did not create enough chances rather than not take enough chances. #CHEWHU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 30, 2019
Now, Chelsea have picked up a 2nd straight loss in the Premier League, losing 1-0 to West Ham at Stamford Bridge, with Aaron Cresswell scoring the winner for the Hammers. It was the first time since January that they’ve failed to score at home.
It now seems that Lampard’s honeymoon period is over, and things could get very difficult for him unless he finds a way to get his team clicking again. Losing Tammy Abraham until the New Year is a crucial blow, as he has been their main source of goals this season. Doubts also remain over Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud’s ability to fill the gap.
Next. Chelsea get lucky against Ajax. dark
The festive period isn’t kind to anyone in the Premier League, but it’s significantly more difficult for an inexperienced team with an inexperienced manager. Lampard certainly has what it takes to steer the ship back in the right direction, but it won’t come easily.