The Perils of Being Frank Lampard

 

Last year was an audition year for Frank Lampard as a novice coach in the English Premier League. He came through unscathed and won a few admirers along the way. None more important than Roman Abramovic, the owner of Chelsea Football Club. Thanks to his fourth-place finish in the league table Mr Abramovic entrusted him with a transfer budget of over £200 million. A figure that has been surpassed only once before in the history of football in a single transfer window.

Frank Lampard’s vision, along with Mr Abramovic’s money, has attracted top players like Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva. While it is a dream for any manager to be able to sign players of such quality, for Lampard this has come as a double-edged sword. How does he fit in all of these players into the team? And what about the players who helped him finish in the top four? It is always going to be a tough task to keep all players happy in such a large squad. A number of good players like Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have had to go out on loan while others like Fikayo Tomori and Andreas Christensen have been mostly been limited to being on the bench. With Chelsea competing for three trophies now (they are already out of the League Cup after losing to Spurs via penalty shoot-out) there will be opportunities for the fringe players to get some game time and hopefully leave the manager with a selection dilemma. Callum Hudson-Odoi got an opportunity against Seville in Spain and did rather well and would surely have started against Krasnodar if not for the injury. His agent has been making a lot of noise in the press about how he needs to be playing more often and might seek a move away in the January transfer window. The Chelsea hierarchy will most definitely turn down any such approach, most likely from Bayern Munich for two reasons. First, there are not enough wingers to cover for Hudson-Odoi’s loss at present and second, he is rated very highly as shown by the contract he signed last year. Tomori might be sent out on loan with Newcastle interested in signing him but once again it is more likely to be a loan move rather than a permanent one.

The most admirable facet of Lampard’s management is that he does not have any favourites and everyone who starts a game does so on merit. Olivier Giroud, who for most part of last season looked like he was simply a back-up to Tammy Abraham, forced his way into the team by putting in the hard work in practice sessions and in whatever limited game time he got. He did so again this year, starting as the third-choice striker behind Tammy and Werner and going on to start the last two games and scoring five goals. Same is the case with Antonio Rudiger. He too looked destined to be moved on but has worked his way back into the team. All players in the squad know the manager will give them an opportunity as long as they keep giving 100% in training.

Frank’s was always a three-year plan. Year one was building a squad, he passed that with flying colours despite the team facing a transfer ban. He brought in academy players and showed faith in them. Year two will be consolidation and strengthening. He has spent the money and brought in the players of his choice, he now needs to bridge the gap between them and Liverpool and Manchester City. The third year was when they would challenge for the title. Going by their present form it looks like he may be a year ahead of schedule. Roman Abramovic has never given any manager more than three years at the helm. If Lampard fails to keep up with the expectations, he knows all his achievements as a player for the Blues will count for nought. Roman Arbamovic, Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech have given him the tools now its up to Frank Lampard to create the promised masterpiece.

Match Review Manchester United vs Chelsea

This was to be the first big test for Louis Van Gaal in the Barclay’s Premier League. Coming up against a table topping Chelsea side that hasn’t yet lost in the league is a daunting task for any team but United’s problems were compounded by Rooney’s absence due to suspension and Falcao picking up a knock in training. For a team that doesn’t boast of a tight defense and depends on its attack force to outscore the opposition, this was a big setback. On the other hand Chelsea too were struggling similarly with Costa out injured and his back-up, Remy, picking up an injury in the Champions league clash versus Maribor leaving Drogba as the only fit senior striker.

There was a genuine threat of the match ending in a goalless draw as few chances were created and whenever the opportunity came, the young goalkeeping duo proved up to the task. De Gea pulled out massive saves against Drogba, Willian and in a one on one with Hazard who had jinked his way into the box. Courtois too came up on top in a one on one with Robin Van Persie and commanded his box with much ease picking off most of the crosses. There was one big moment on the 36^th minute when Chelsea will be convinced they were denied a penalty for not one but two players being wrestled down in the box. As I’ve said earlier, despite being a big unit, Chelsea score a surprisingly low number of goals off set pieces. Fabregas’ free kick from the left only had to be tapped in by Ivanovic but he was clearly wrestled to the ground by Smalling who had an arm around Ivanovic’s neck, Rojo was doing the same to John Terry.

Chelsea have so far scored in every game and they kept that streak alive when Drogba scored his first league goal since 2012. Rafael failed to stay with Drogba who headed Fabregas’ corner into the near post. The goal showcased United’s, and in particular Rafael’s, defensive frailty as Drogba had been making similar runs for almost all the previous corners yet he wasn’t tracked. Why Rafael was marking Drogba who uses his height and physicality in all its might is also a mystery when United had bigger players like Fellaini who could do a better job of it. Chelsea created more opportunities with Hazard and Oscar finding their way into the United box with regularity and ease. What would have been even more alarming for Van Gaal was the amount of space even Ivanovic found in their box on a couple of occasions. Only the lack of clinical finishing kept the score at 1-0.

Towards the end Mourinho, going against his new style of play, decided to shut shop. Oscar was withdrawn in favor of Mikel who slotted in beside Matic with Fabregas moving up the field, Hazard made way for Schurrle and Kurt Zouma replaced Willian. But a second and very debatable yellow card meant Ivanovic was sent off with a minute remaining. The resultant free kick which was headed towards goal by Fellaini was saved by Courtois but the rebound fell to Van Persie who smashed it in to level the score. It may be noted that Ivanovic had successfully marked Fellaini in the Chelsea box throughout the match and his absence was clearly a factor. Although both teams ended with a point each, the way one team celebrated while the other was totally dejected told the story.

Ivanovic’s first yellow card was a 50-50 decision where he eased Di Maria off the ball. It was a soft decision but the referee deserves the benefit of doubt in such cases and either decision would have been acceptable. For the second one he clearly tried to stop himself but clipped Di Maria’s heels in the process. It was inadvertent and even if it was a foul it didn’t deserve a booking.

The result leaves Chelsea still on top of the table while United dropped to 8^th. It also leaves both managers with a lot to consider. While Mourinho will be happy with the way his team played, he won’t be happy with the result. Van Gaal on the other hand will be happy with the result but not with the way his side played. Jose now has to contend with the absence of both his full backs for the next match along with the uncertainty surrounding Costa’s return to action. Van Gaal will be worried about his back line too, his best defender so far has been young Tyler Blackett and they would have ended with no points against Chelsea and Everton if it hadn’t been for De Gea’s heroics.

Match Review Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

The big worry for Jose Mourinho ahead of the visit to Selhurst Park was the injury to Diego Costa. He has been at the key to Chelsea’s blistering start to the season and as the 1-0 loss showed last year, Crystal Palace have the potential to be the proverbial banana skin for Chelsea. Last season the loss at Selhurst Park, along with a few others that were seen as winnable, were the difference between Chelsea being crowned champions and finishing third.

Diego Costa had to miss out after aggravating his thigh injury by playing in both the Euro qualifiers for Spain and Loic Remy was picked ahead of Drogba to start upfront. Jose also named 17 year old Dominic Solanke in the squad. The rest of the squad picked was the same with Willian keeping his place in midfield due to injuries to Ramires and Schurrle. Courtois who had recovered from his collision with Alexis Sanchez returned to take his place in goal. The start was along expected lines with Chelsea on the attack and it wasn’t long before Willian won a free kick just outside the box. Surprisingly it was Oscar stepped up to take it and he scored with an exquisite finish into the far corner. Chelsea continued to boss possession but the second goal was proving to be difficult in the face of some dogged and ironically "Chelsea-like" defending by Palace.

The turning point of the match came when Cesar Azpilicueta lost the ball near the center line and in his effort to win it back he dived in studs up. Missing the ball completely and clattering into Mile Jedinak right in front of the referee, he can have no complaints about the decision to send him off. That could have been the lifeline Palace were looking for but just three minutes later Damien Delaney who had earlier been yellow carded had a brain freeze as he cynically pulled down Remy to earn a second yellow and handing the upper hand to Chelsea. At 10-vs-10 Chelsea who were the aggressors clearly had the advantage as it opened up spaces for their creative players. The second goal was a result of precisely that. Fabregas started a move of quick one touch passing with Hazard and Oscar who played it to him in acres of space in the box. He took his time to score his first league goal. Chelsea continued to push for a third but despite enjoying almost 80% possession they failed to add to the tally. At the other end Frazier Campbell who had worked tirelessly all day and had come close on a few occasions only to be thwarted by Gary Cahill, finally found an attacking partner in the lively Wilfried Zaha and a short period of pressure at the very end gave them a goal they hardly deserved and it proved too little too late.

 
The biggest plus over the last two matches has been the performance of Oscar who has not only been at his creative best while combining with Hazard and exchanging places with Fabregas but has also showed a bit of mongrel while going into tackles to break up play and recover possession. These are qualities Mourinho loves in his players. In the absence of Costa the contribution of the midfield quartet will be crucial else the wheels could quickly come off the juggernaut.

English Premier League Matchday 5 Review

Matchday 5 was turned out to be one where new records were created and once again the Barclay’s Premier League showed why it is considered as the most competitive league among the top leagues of the world. Of the teams seven tipped to be contenders for a top four finish only Arsenal managed a win while all City and Chelsea drew while Everton, Tottenham and Liverpool lost. But the result of the weekend was Manchester United getting “outfoxed” by newly promoted Leicester City and that too after taking a 2 goal lead, twice.

Man Utd Outfoxed:

In my week 2 review I had written that against Chelsea at the Bridge the foxes had come to play and could have scored first. Against United too they had a lively start and missed a couple of tight chances Vardy, Ulloa and Nugent causing problems in the United backline. Louis Van Gaal ditched his favored 3-5-2 for a 4-4-2 diamond with Rooney playing as the no 10 behind Falcao and Van Persie, Mata was the unfortunate one to be dropped. It didn’t take long for the star studded forward line to get their act together as Falcao’s pin point cross was headed in by Van Persie, whoever said Falcao couldn’t assist. The second goal came moments later courtesy the most expensive player in the BPL. Rooney played in Di Maria who showed great class to deftly chip it over the advancing Schmeichel Jr and add another contender for goal-of-the-season. The foxes, who have been playing a very fearless brand of football that has seen them snatch points off Arsenal and Everton, hit back straight from the kickoff. Vardy shrugged off Rojo on the right and his cross from the bye-line found Ulloa to make it 2-1. United, though, kept up the pressure and Falcao and Blind had shots blocked while Rojo headed over from another Di Maria cross.

After the break Rooney and Di Maria’s shots were thwarted but Ander Herrera scored his second in as many games from the edge of the box to restore the two goal advantage the assist again coming from Di Maria. What followed was 23 minutes of complete meltdown by Man United that left everyone stunned. First Rafael was unfortunate not to be given a foul when Vardy had clearly pushed him off the ball and in his impetuosity he fouled Vardy inside the box. Mark Clattenburg immediately pointed to the spot and from there David Nuget made no mistake. 2-3 became 3-3 two minutes later as Cambiasso fired a piledriver through a crowded United box for his first BPL goal. United brought on Januzaj and Mata for Falcao and Di Maria in an effort to shore up the midfield but 15 minutes later Rojo and Mata tried to play a one-two but Mata was dispossessed by De Laet and as Rojo had already overlapped there was acres of space for him to make a run and play in Vardy who scored past De Gea. Five minutes later the final nail in the proverbial coffin arrived when young Tyler Blackett was red carded for shoving Vardy in the box, Ulloa converting the resulting penalty. This is the first time that United have lost in the BPL after taking a 2-0 lead.

United’s strength is their attack and they will score goals, lots of them. But the defense is light to say the least. Rojo will take time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League, Rafael is yet to show maturity and will make the odd rash challenge under pressure and the center backs do not have a leader that can hold the line. Young Blackett has shown promise but would have benefitted playing alongside a Vidic, Johnny Evans unfortunately doesn’t offer the same assuredness. I stilll cannot understand why they did not choose to sign Eliaquim Mangala. The lack of the quality defensive midfielder also showed as Leicester’s counter attacks left Utd short of numbers at the back when they poured forward in search for goals. 5 points from 5 games is one of United’s worst starts ever and worryingly they are yet to face any of the other six teams in contention for a top four finish.

Chelsea 1-1 Chelsea at the Etihad:

It was billed as the clash of the contenders but as such high profile matched usually turn out to be it was more of a game of chess between two master strategists and I got most of the team selections right in my preview for this match. Chances were few and far between as Chelsea spent most of the afternoon defending and City were unable to find a way past Mourinho’s well drilled defensive unit. Chelsea’s midfield had to join in the defensive duties leaving Costa isolated up front for much of the game where Eliaquim Mangala and Vincent Kompany kept him under check.

The game changed when Zabaleta was sent off after clattering into Costa who also got a yellow card for lashing out at the Argentine. With 25 minutes to go Chelsea went on the attack and a lovely criss cross run by Hazard found Schurrle, who had made an almost mirror image run, at the far post to put Chelsea into the lead. Another quick move and Fabregas found Costa at the edge of the box but his left footed shot taken on the turn came off the upright. When Chelsea should have attacked and killed off the game they inexplicably sat back and tried to shut shop. Frank Lampard, on as a sub, made one of his trademark runs into the box and latched onto James Milner’s cross to smash it home. Alas, he doesn’t play for Chelsea anymore. Never has a player been so heartbroken to score a match saving goal. The game ended at that scoreline but the traveling Chelsea fans continued to sing Frank Lampard’s name and he went across to acknowledge it and say goodbye. He will always be Chelsea’s favorite son. Chelsea became the 39^th different club against whom Lampard has scored in the BPL, a record.

Jose Mourinho will see it as a point gained while Manuel Pellegrini will rightly see it as 2 lost as his team dominated the game for long periods but couldn’t score. Heartening for him will be the performance put in by Milner and Mangala and also Yaya Toure back to some form.

With Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton losing to West Ham, West Brom and Crystal Palace respectively Arsenal moved up to fourth with a win at Villa Park, three goals in the space of four minutes proving to be enough. They will, however, be severely tested as they play 4 games in 13 days and with 6 first team players out any additional casualty could prove to be their undoing. Chelsea have firmly put themselves in contention for a top four finish while City are favorites to challenge them for the title. Who will be the other two teams to make it is still to be answered.

Manchester City Vs Chelsea Match Preview

Sunday will see battle royale as the two pre season favorites square off at the Etihad Stadium. While the blues from west London have enjoyed a thunderous start to the season winning all four of their opening matches the light blues from Manchester have been inconsistent. A labored win at Newcastle, a comfortable win against Liverpool, a shock home loss to Stoke and a come from behind draw at Arsenal has been City’s mixed bag season so far. A win for Chelsea will give them an 8 point lead over City which, though not decisive at this point, will heap pressure on their main title rivals. Last season the sides faced each other three times with Jose Mourinho claiming a league double while Manuel Pellegrini had to be content with a win in the League Cup. Significantly however, City have won 5 out of the last 6 times these two teams have met at the Etihad. Chelsea have no injury concerns while City have enough depth in their squad to cope with the absence on Jovetic and Fernando.

Both teams had mid week Champions league games and both chose not to start with their star strikers. Diego Costa and Kun Aguero came on as substitutes in the second half and both failed to get on the score sheet. While City lost away to Bayern courtesy a late goal, Chelsea fared slightly better drawing 1-1 against Schalke at home. Mourinho has already stated that Costa will start on Sunday and Aguero is also certain to start. All eyes will be on the two strikers as the battle it out to be crowned the best in the Premier League. However, the game will be decided not only by these two alone but on two key battles that will be fought in the midfield.

Fabregas Vs Fernandinho

Fabregas has been the brains behind Chelsea’s imperious form so far. He has already notched up a league leading 6 assists and scored his first Chelsea goal against Schalke on Wednesday. Playing deep alongside Matic he orchestrates the attack with his vision, creating chances for Costa, Hazard and Schurrle. My guess is Fabregas will be played as the no10 while Mikel will most likely slot in beside Matic as additional defensive cover. Fernandinho was arguably City’s Man of the Match against Arsenal, thwarting the Arsenal midfield again and again. He was, however guilty of letting Mame Biram Diouf get past him too easily for the goal in the defeat to Stoke City. With Yaya Toure woefully out of form Fernandinho will once again be entrusted with the job of breaking up play. He will most likely be partnered by the hard working James Milner as Lampard looked short of match practice at the Emirates and was hauled off at halftime.

Matic Vs David Silva

On the other side Matic will be entrusted with the unenviable task of stopping David Silva. David Silva is easily one of the most technically gifted players in the Premier League and most people would be willing to pay to watch him play. With Fabregas joining the attack Matic has been isolated in the midfield quite a few times and that has led to Chelsea shipping 5 goals in their last two matches. He will have to be extra vigilant as Ivanovic too has been playing higher up more often as a wing back. Mourinho may opt to blunt the threat posed by David Silva by playing Azpilicueta on the right and Felipe Luis on the left with Ivanovic dropping to the bench. Silva will be looking to add to his one goal so far and to open his account in the assists department.

The biggest challenge for Mourinho will be to keep his defense tight. In high profile games, especially away from home, he tends to be defensive and doesn’t mind playing out a goalless draw. Chelsea have so far conceded 6 goals in 4 league games and have only one clean sheet to show compared to 24 in the whole of last season. Though a few of those can be put down to having a new goalkeeper in the side, most have been due to poor defending. Expect a tactical game with not too many goals being scored.