NOT SINCE 1977 have Chelsea suffered such an opening day defeat, and it is exactly 50 years since the club conceded four in their first league game (August 9, 1969 at Liverpool). Not the best of overtures for Frank Lampard on his debut Premier League fixture as manager of Chelsea. Already this campaign has the look of a transition for the Blues. Chelsea, to their … Continue reading Oh dear, Chelsea
REMEMBER when Chelsea went left-field and hired André Villas-Boas, the 35 year-old Porto head coach? It was meant to be bold, innovative and – with absence making the heart grow fonder for the man who brought two league titles to the club – a Mourinho-lite appointment. It all turned sour and inexperience, over-expectation and tactical confusion led to AVB out of work in mid-February 2012. … Continue reading With Lampard, it may be different
REMEMBER when Chelsea went left-field and hired André Villas-Boas, the 35 year-old Porto head coach? It was meant to be bold, innovative and – with absence making the heart grow fonder for the man who brought two league titles to the club – a Mourinho-lite appointment. It all turned sour and inexperience, over-expectation and tactical confusion led to AVB out of work in mid-February 2012. … Continue reading Chelsea and Lampard – where’s the biggest risk?
POOR old Frank Lampard, he didn’t stand a chance. He’s faced Leeds United and Millwall in consecutive weeks and come away with zero points. What’s more, he’s been confronted by two of the most partisan sets of fans in the game and if the reception he received from Millwall’s loyal band is anything to go by, he’s had a rough ride in his first three … Continue reading Lampard’s lament in Cold Blow Lane
Frank Lampard should go on to beat Bobby Tambling’s record of 202 first team goals for Chelsea. If Chelsea rethink their policy on veteran players, then perhaps he will line-up again next season, but like Didier Drogba a year earlier, Lampard looks like he will go out with a bang. Drogba’s departure, stroking the ball past the Bayern Munich keeper to win the Champions League, … Continue reading Lampard and the man he’s set to overtake
