Lampard delighted with ‘big step forward’ after Chelsea win a football game

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By Martin Graham | 7th May 2023

Chelsea interim boss Frank Lampard was pleased to see his side win a football match for the first time under his care after Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. Conor Gallagher’s headed effort gave the Blues the lead early on but after Matias Vina’s long-range effort leveled matters, Benoit Badiashile and Joao Felix scored in quick succession to see Lampard’s men win for the first time in what seems like an eternity.

It has been a disappointing season for the Blues team in all aspects, especially after the financial investment from Todd Boehly in the club over the past six month.

As it stands, Chelsea have nothing more to play for than their pride this season and victory against Bournemouth was a positive step in the right direction, says Lampard.

Lampard issues Bournemouth verdict and gives injury update on Chilwell

“Today was a nice step forward,” said Lampard.

“I thought we controlled the game. The Bournemouth team will always give you some problems here, they’re a good team with their top-end of the pitch, playing through you quickly, a lot of energy in their team, at set-pieces they’re dangerous.”

“So we couldn’t feel safe at 1-1 but I felt we controlled it. There was maybe a sign with us controlling the first half but without maybe the killer instinct. We were running inside their box in the first half, we had a lot of overloads on the side of the pitch and as this team develops I think you have to be more killers at the top end of the pitch. There were some nice individual performances today and a positive direction.”

“In terms of the subs, I think all the subs we made had an impact. Ruben and Raheem coming on that bit earlier. Ruben gave us a bit of physical presence and calmness on the ball. Raheem was involved in the goals.”

“Azpi comes on and gives us leadership, Hakim came on and got an assist and played really well. Opinion can always change in a period, but they are two players in Hakim and Raheem that want to do well as football players and they’ve got big talent, both of them.”

“Sometimes if it’s form and there’s been a lot of underperformances at times this year, it’s temporary and I think their class is permanent. I’m pleased for them having an impact today when they came on”

Speaking about Ben Chilwell who suffered an injury late on, Lampard fears the defender might not play again this season.

“It’s a hamstring injury. We don’t know if it’s serious but with a hamstring injury at this stage of the season it’s clearly a worry for the last few games”.