Chelsea: Three lessons learnt from draw to Aston Villa to end 2020

Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud (C) vies with Aston Villa's Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz (L) and Aston Villa's English defender Kortney Hause (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on December 28, 2020. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud (C) vies with Aston Villa's Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz (L) and Aston Villa's English defender Kortney Hause (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on December 28, 2020. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 12: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea looks dejected following their sides defeat in the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park on December 12, 2020 in Liverpool, England. A limited number of spectators (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 12: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea looks dejected following their sides defeat in the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park on December 12, 2020 in Liverpool, England. A limited number of spectators (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

2. Frank Lampard needs trust and patience

Fans were drooling over Chelsea’s fluid football when Lampard’s men were on an unbeaten streak of 15+ games. However, as soon as they have hit a rough patch, some fans are making outrageous claims and asking for the sack. While Lampard has made some tactical mistakes, the problem at Chelsea doesn’t get magically solved with a new manager.

The current squad lacks leadership and character in tough times. They lack the “I go to war and you come with me” mentality. This team lacks a bit of arrogance and the attitude of champions. Here, Lampard needs to find a way to ignite a fire in his players. He needs to tell his squad that they can win the game back from any situation.

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Another factor that has been going against the Blues is that the refereeing has been absolutely shambolic and the players haven’t had much luck either. With time, Lampard and his men will gain the confidence that they had in their unbeaten run.

Yes, Lampard is struggling, and the club is struggling in general. However, we signed up for Lampard’s big project when we brought him on board despite his inexperience at the top level. We must believe that Lampard will learn and get things sorted, and we must show the faith that we showed in our unbeaten run. Lampard has shown that he knows how to succeed (in the unbeaten run), and it is only fair that he is given a full chance.