Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard was very sad with his side’s performance in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day. The Blues were favored to win given Arsenal’s poor form. The 2-2 draw between Leicester and Manchester United earlier in the day meant Chelsea had a chance to climb up to second in the table. But the Blues lacked any emphasis going forward as Arsenal exploded out of the blocks.
Chelsea got on the back foot when Alexandre Lacazette scored the first goal from the penalty spot. Granit Xhaka doubled Arsenal’s lead before the break with a brilliant free-kick as Chelsea went in at half-time with their tails between their legs.
Lampard showed his frustration by hauling off both Timo Werner and and Mateo Kovacic off at half-time, but the changes failed to make an impact as Arsenal continued to dominate. Bukayo Saka then scored what appeared to be a fortituous effort meant as a cross to all-but sealed the win.
Tammy Abraham scored later on to give Chelsea a consolation goal and Jorginho had the opportunity to make it an interesting final five minutes from the penalty spot. But the Italian saw his effort saved by Bernd Leno with Arsenal holding on for all three points.
Arsenal beat Chelsea to end winless streak
Lampard was clearly frustrated with his side’s lack of intent from the first whistle.
Why did Chelsea lose?
“In the second half we showed some urgency but it was too late.” He said
“In the first half we gave ourselves too much to do, we were very poor.”
“You can’t lack energy and desire in the Premier League and we did. You can prepare as well as you want but if you turn up like that that’s another thing. It’s in the mind. If you perform below par, things go against you like the Saka goal. That’s life.”
“On another day we could have scored the penalty and had a comeback but it’s not a day for us. The teams that win, win relentlessly. We weren’t winning two or three years ago. We are not there yet, that’s clear.”
“I felt it when we were on our long unbeaten run and I feel it now. We got a lot wrong today.”
