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4 points of concern following Chelsea’s drubbing of Burnley

By Michael DeVito

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: James Tarkowski of Burnley battles for possession with Kai Havertz of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor on October 31, 2020 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: James Tarkowski of Burnley battles for possession with Kai Havertz of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor on October 31, 2020 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea looks on during the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 29, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around United Kingdom remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matt Dunham – Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea looks on during the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 29, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around United Kingdom remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matt Dunham – Pool/Getty Images) /

2. Olivier Giroud’s lack of playing time

The game against Burnley was a great opportunity to start Olivier Giroud at center forward with Werner scheduled for rest. Giroud should have been given the nod to start, but rather, manager Frank Lampard inserted Tammy Abraham in the spot. While he logged an assist on Hakim Ziyech’s superb goal, he largely failed to impress. Giroud is—and has been—the better alternative. Yet, once again, Lampard seems reluctant to give him starts to show what he can do. His ability to score goals and makes everyone else around him better are things few other strikers in the world do. However, even with the most recent game being done and dusted, Lampard only inserted Giroud in the 76′, giving him a brief run-out.

That’s not enough for the French national team legend. He needs to be a semi-regular starter either to give Werner time off. Or, maybe Lampard can even to slot him in with Abraham in a new look attack with two center forwards at the top of the formation. The gaffer waited almost too long last season to give Giroud a place in the starting XI, even preferring to utilize an obviously injured and limited Tammy Abraham at that time. Once he did, the team clicked and the ultimate result was a Champions League berth for the club.

Hopefully, Lampard will give Giroud the start against Rennes at home on Wednesday. He deserves the opportunity and Werner can certainly use the rest, as can Abraham to a lesser degree. Lampard waited too long last season to introduce the terrific Frenchman into the starting XI, he needs to take heed of that lesson. Lampard should rotate his excellent bench into the squad to keep his players sharp and their competitors rested—it’s best for all concerned. After all, there are enough games to do so with up to three games per week. The same can also be said for Callum Hudson-Odoi. He is clearly rounding into top fitness and recovering that magic he displayed before his devastating Achilles injury. He needs to start alongside Giroud on Wednesday, as well.

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