Chelsea vs Wolves
4PM - 26/7/20
Stamford Bridge - Premier League
When Frank Lampard became Chelsea manager a little over 12 months ago, there were two stand out caveats. Eden Hazard, arguably Chelsea’s finest player in recent years had just been sold, and a transfer ban meant Lampard was unable to sign new players ahead of his first season in the top-flight. These limitations, coupled with many inexperienced academy debutantes and major defensive weaknesses this season makes Lampard's achievement even more astonishing. Last August, most Chelsea fans would have agreed that a 5th or 6th place finish was acceptable in Lampard’s maiden season, especially after the 4-0 humiliation at Old Trafford on the opening weekend. Not many would have predicted that Lampard’s men would be playing Champions League football next year, with an FA Cup final awaiting next weekend.
There have been many bumps in the road however, as is inevitable with such a young squad. Chelsea’s defensive frailties have been evident this season, conceding a goal from every 11 corners on average, the highest in the Premier League. Counter-attack and set-piece fragilities have also led to Chelsea conceding 54 times this season, their worst in the league since 1996/97. Still unsure of his best CB pairing, and appearing to have lost total faith in the world's most expensive goalkeeper, there is lots of work ahead for Lampard before his side can genuinely compete with City and Liverpool for the title.
Yet this was a day for Chelsea to celebrate a convincing home win, a rarity this season. It was perhaps a fitting finale to see Lampard's golden boy Mason Mount and the experienced Oliver Giroud on the scoresheet, securing the result that clinched Chelsea fourth place. In a match that summed up the best of this Chelsea side, Reece James shot wide from a super Mason Mount cross on 10 minutes. The two academy products have been instrumental for Chelsea this year following their championship loan spells last season. As half time approached, Caballero saved smartly after a Neto cross almost caught him off guard. The Argentine was handed his first league start since February after Kepa was dropped, following a recent dip in form. “Kepa’s decision was a choice on recent form, I felt Willy’s experience was what we needed” Lampard explained. It remains to be seen if Chelsea will replace this this summer, with Jan Oblak and Nick Pope among the names mentioned.
Just before half-time, Chelsea took the lead through a glorious Mount free kick, almost identical to the one posted on the clubs social media at the break. An 11 year old Mount full of confidence describes his technique, before sending the ball “top bins” as he puts it. Two minutes later the 21 year old was involved again as he played a sublime through ball to Olivier Giroud, who rounded the keeper to put Chelsea 2 goals to the good. Lampard was no doubt relieved as his side entered the break 45 minutes away from European football.
In truth Chelsea saw out the second half with confidence, helped by a Wolves side that never really threatened to pull a goal back. Lampard emptied the bench on 75 minutes, introducing Abraham, Hudson-Odoi, Loftus-Cheek, Barkley and Pedro, the latter making his final appearance at Stamford Bridge as confirmed by Lampard post-match. Abraham went close late on but remains Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 15 Premier League goals, an impressive tally in his debut season, even after an ankle injury last January. With Oliver Giroud recently signing a contract extension, and the arrival of Timo Werner, Abraham will have to work even harder to remain Chelsea’s first choice striker next season.
Manchester United’s 2-0 win at Leicester meant that Chelsea would have clinched top four regardless. However Chelsea delivered a fine performance with new signing Timo Werner watching on from the West stand. Although visibly pleased with his side's achievement today, and over the season, Lampard remained measured and reminded us that this is only the start. “It means a great deal, but when you're at Chelsea you can't get too excited at a top four finish because you want to go even higher,” Lampard said. “We can reflect on the season and be pretty happy with what we've achieved” he concluded. This calm response from someone who has secured Champions League football in only his second season in management speaks volumes of his impeccable standards, and motivation to always improve.
While inevitable flaws exist in the squad, most evident last Christmas with losses to Bournemouth, Southampton and West Ham, this season will be regarded as an immense success for Lampard and his team. Champions League qualification and an FA Cup final with the 3rd youngest team in the league must be admired. Lampard’s passion on the touchline and honesty with the press has united Chelsea supporters again, after being so divided following Maurizio Sarri’s testing spell last year. All eyes look towards Saturday's FA Cup final as both Lampard and Arteta seek their first silverware as managers. Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech also trained at Cobham for the first time this week, perhaps marking the beginning of a very exciting period for the Blues. Most would agree that it has been a super debut season for super Frank.