Chelsea’s moments of the season (for now): It’s Frank Lampard’s Blue world
Every season has its share of unforgettable moments. In case we’re deprived of any more, here are the best from Chelsea’s 2019/20 season (so far).
Chelsea have had an average number of highs and lows, as befits a team that’s not going to win the Premier League but will likely finish top four and could still win a trophy. But the highs were a bit higher and the lows not so low given Frank Lampard and the number of Cobham graduates in his squads. Here are some of the best of what they produced.
Frank Lampard vs. Jose Mourinho, Part I (Nate Hofmann)
If you’re ever feeling down in the dumps, I highly recommend watching the highlights of Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Tottenham. It had everything: a great goal, hilarious Spursiness, Lampard outdueling his former mentor, and Chelsea overcoming (alleged…) vile behavior by some home fans.
The post-match celebrations in front of the away section said it all. Frank Lampard, who has shown a pretty steady demeanor of professionalism all season, was absolutely out of his mind with joy and passion.
It was an excellent early Christmas gift, and a memory that will stand out in a season full of noteworthy moments.
Frank Lampard and Carlo Ancelotti embrace (Abhishek Pancholi)
The warmest of hugs between Frank Lampard and Carlo Ancelotti on the touchline when Everton came to visit. I’ve stanned King Carlo ever since he set foot on these shores and transformed Chelsea into the greatest team the world had ever seen for one season.
Unlike other managers with whom Lampard has worked before *cough* Jose *cough* there was a genuine affection between Ancelotti and Lampard. Disregarding the NO TOUCHING directive, both men shared an embrace that would have warmed the cockles of any Chelsea fan.
Tottenham Double (Kevin Peacock)
Doing the double over Tottenham is always a lovely thing. Doing the double over a Tottenham side managed by a certain Jose Mourinho is off the scale.
Let’s face it: Jose Mourinho is Chelsea’s best ever manager. There can be no taking that away right now. However, the fact that he has gone on to manage Manchester United and our London neighbours has blotted his copybook somewhat. Add in one or two caustic comments and those two victories were all the sweeter.
Pedro’s and Olivier Giroud’s returns (Tan Yi Hao)
When the season first started and Chelsea fans were swept along in the euphoria of having Tammy Abraham in attack and Fikayo Tomori at the back, few would have envisioned a front three of Willian – Olivier Giroud – Pedro ever turning out for Chelsea again.
Yet, that was the precise lineup Lampard employed in matchday 29 of the Premier League season, and Chelsea ran out 4-0 winners against Everton.
More surprising, however, was the spirit and fight 33 year old Giroud and 32 year old Pedro displayed, despite being left out of the squad for large parts of the season prior.
As a fan myself who had questions regarding Frank Lampard’s capabilities as a manager, his man-management of his aging stars served as sufficient indication of the talent that is certainly there. Even as talks continue about youngsters like Billy Gilmour as the future of Frank Lampard’s Chelsea, this seamless reintegration of the players on the periphery in such a crucial stage of the season makes for the moment of the season.
Must Read. Chelsea pressed smarter so Willian and Pedro could be sharper in attack. light
Frank Lampard’s return (Varun Dani)
It would not be ludicrous to say Lampard is the best player to ever grace Stamford Bridge, and indeed one of the best to step foot in the world of football.
Absolute professionalism, relentless dedication and the panache to make the art of goalscoring look like child’s play, Lampard went from a young boy called out for nepotism to the best goal-scoring midfielder the world has ever seen. The cherry on the top was to see it all happen in a blue shirt with the lion’s crest fittingly roaring to salute him.
It is was no surprise, then, to see the announcement of his return break the internet. The legend returning to guide a misguided club back to the glory days.
Next. Chelsea's games of the season (so far): Big wins, hat tricks and wild draws. dark
Whether your opinion of it was overly optimistic or overly critical, you’d be lying if you said that seeing Lampard walk down the tunnel and return to Stamford Bridge as first team head coach of Chelsea Football Club didn’t bring a smile on your face.