The Pride of London
Fansided

Chelsea: Three key clashes as the Blues welcome Manchester City

By Vansh Ambashta

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: John Stones of Manchester City battles with Tammy Abraham of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: John Stones of Manchester City battles with Tammy Abraham of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
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. Lampard in vs. Lampard out

Chelsea fans have been extremely reactionary in the past few weeks, which is no surprise. Many have jumped shipped and are demanding Lampard’s head already. Fans have forgotten the days when they were literally celebrating every move from the Blues and were truly in awe of Chelsea’s fluid football. However, after a run of poor games, a few fans have gotten impatient and decided that Lampard isn’t the right man for the job.

This game will be another test for Lampard, and his men will definitely set the tone for the upcoming year. On their day, the Blues’ squad can beat—or at least compete with—any team in the world. However, the issue is that poor form, combined with COVID-19 and injuries, has hindered the team’s performances this season. New players are still adjusting to the league and some of the regulars seem exhausted and are lacking basics. Against Arsenal, way too many Chelsea players were lethargic and lacked intent, and this isn’t the type of attitude that will be acceptable at Stamford Bridge.

While the negativity continues to surround Lampard and the team, they must get their heads up and put in an industrious shift against Manchester City. Moreover, Lampard must be extremely careful with his substitutions and game management. His instinct on game management has been poor in the past couple of weeks. He has the capability to perform on the big stage, and we all know that. Lampard showed last season that he can steer Chelsea’s ship in the right direction, and he did so with academy players and zero signings.

Home/Premier League