Chelsea players were ‘too nice’ against Arsenal, complains Frank Lampard
Chelsea players were ‘too nice’ to Arsenal, Frank Lampard laments after a sixth successive defeat since arriving as interim… though dismissing claims they don’t care enough
- Chelsea fell to a 3-1 defeat at Premier League leaders Arsenal on chastise night
- Frank Lampard complained that his players had been too nice in the first half
- Result means Chelsea have now lost all six games since Lampard returned
Frank Lampard labeled his Chelsea players as ‘too nice’ after their latest defeat at Arsenal.
The Gunners returned to the Premier League top flight with their first win in four games to boost their fading title hopes.
Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge as interim boss following the sacking of Graham Potter in early April, but lost all six of his games in charge.
And speaking after the loss at the Emirates, the Blues boss said: “Not good enough in the first half, that confirms the result.
“The first half was not good enough in all respects. Much better second half. We were too nice to play against in every way in the first half.
Frank Lampard complained that his players were too nice against Arsenal on Tuesday night
The Chelsea interim has now lost all six games since returning last month
“In the second half we played much more like a team with a threat at the top. In the first half we were too easy to play against.
“It’s hard because you want to win games, but it’s our job, we’ll work on it.
“It’s the easy way of saying they don’t care enough, but the players certainly care. I interrogate them like boys. But, and I hate to say it, they lack confidence. Because you play for Chelsea there is a level of performance you have to deliver. You can be low on confidence but still show a dynamic side to your game.
“We need to find the reasons quickly – but it won’t be solved overnight. We need to do the basics better and then we will make some progress.
“The first half wasn’t nearly a good enough performance for the players we have and where we want to be as Chelsea, but it’s a reality and that’s where I got into. It’s what we need to improve as a club.’
Arsenal’s victory came at a price, however, as centre-back Gabriel limped off in the second half with what appeared to be an ankle problem.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed the Brazilian is doubtful ahead of Sunday’s crucial game at Newcastle.
Chelsea are currently 12th in the Premier League with 39 points, half of Arsenal
Chelsea players were spotted arguing with each other after Arsenal made it 2-0 in the first half
With William Saliba’s availability for the match at St James’ Park in serious doubt as he struggles to recover from a lower back injury, Gabriel’s fitness will be a major concern for Arteta.
On his side’s victory that saw them leapfrog Manchester City into first position, Arteta added: “This was proof that they still believe (they can win the title).
“We can’t hang our heads. To be in the position we’re in after 10 months, I don’t allow anyone not to talk about it and feel it.
“If we wanted to have any chance of winning this competition, we had to win today. We want to get back on track and our job was back today.”
