Chelsea: The last three domestic games will reveal a lot
It’s hard to believe, but there are only three matches left this season. However, those matches will reveal a lot about Chelsea.
As the weekend inches closer, Chelsea is preparing for a bout with Manchester United in the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley. This season has had its share of ups and downs, but with three matches left, this could be the pinnacle of Frank Lampard’s first year in charge.
In a literal sense, the last three games this year will reveal whether or not the Blues will be playing in the Champions League come the fall. However, in a more figurative fashion, fans will find out a lot about this Chelsea team from the matches against Man United, Liverpool and Wolves.
It’s no secret the Blues lack leadership and communication, but do they have fight? The results of the next three matches will see that question answered. Essentially, Chelsea needs a result in one of its two remaining Premier League matches and a trip to the FA Cup Final wouldn’t be too shabby, either. The last matches of the campaign—barring the inevitable ousting in the Champions League in August—are undoubtedly the most crucial in a season that’s featured its fair share of must-win affairs.
Lampard has already discovered everything he needs to know about his team’s talent on an individual scale. He’s evaluated each and every player, all season long, in order to assess who will make the cut for September’s squad. However, what remains to be seen is the amount of fight left in the dressing room. This is a Chelsea team that clawed back from a 4-1 deficit against Ajax, sustained numerous injuries throughout the season—yet thrived—and battled its way through the FA Cup against all odds. There are now questions surrounding the Blues’ ability to perform under the microscope when it matters most.
One could flip through the metaphorical book of legitimate excuses and use every one of them to describe Chelsea’s hardships this season. A new manager, a transfer ban, dealing with the loss of the club’s best player, a plethora of injuries, a worldwide pandemic, etc. Regardless, at this point of the season, all rationalizations are thrown out the window. Lampard’s young side has exceeded expectations beyond supporters’ wildest dreams this year, but if they miss out on Champions League and go down in the FA Cup semifinals, it’ll be disheartening.
Nobody is questioning whether or not this team is good enough or consistent enough—we know the answer to those questions. What we don’t know is whether or not a leader will emerge. Through motivation or performance, whether it be a player, a coach or a former blue; it doesn’t matter. The fact is, somebody needs to step up and steer this ship clear of the crash course it’s headed down.
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The club’s resiliency will be on full display over the next week. Someone needs to rise to the occasion and get Chelsea over the hump because these next three matches will define the Blues’ season and potentially, their future.