Entering the FA Cup semi-final, Frank Lampard wanted to see his young team showcase the qualities of the title contenders. He had also spoken in the past of consistency, focus, and attitude as key attributes.
After the impressive 3-1 victory over Manchester United’s four rivals, Lampard has every reason to be satisfied with his team’s response. His young team lived up to the challenge and beat a Manchester United team that had not experienced defeat in 19 previous games since late January.
Lampard’s tactical decision to level Ole Gunnar Solskjær with three at the back raised his eyebrows when the lineups were announced. But this was not the first time that Chelsea had entered a great match with a tactical setup with three central defenders. Against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham, Lampard chose to use a similar setup to beat our London rivals.
Sunday’s performance exhibited a strong resemblance to the 2016-17 vintage Blues under the administration of Antonio Conte. Chelsea seemed disciplined in defense and showed a calm sense of control with possession during the game. We were physical all the time, we won 21 fouls committed, without a single yellow card.
“We have worked hard in the last two days and we haven’t had much time, but to show players the dangers of Manchester United.” We know they are running behind and are improving further with the speed of the three forwards and Fernandes. But they also play across the lines, and even though we had a back three, I didn’t want it to be a back five. People should go to the center of the field, make tackles and not let them feel comfortable. “
“Directed by Azpi as captain. How many times did you go to midfield and get it back? He showed leadership, drawing people around him and speaking to the group. That was a big part, the biggest delight was off-the-ball work and physicality. He showed up and wins you games. “
Keeping his young team focused will be crucial to the club’s goal of securing Champions League football next season. It also marks a significant challenge in Lampard’s young managerial career.
With only two league games remaining, we should try to earn maximum points. Fortunately for Chelsea (and Manchester United), Leicester City’s loss to Tottenham on Sunday also provides a significant boost to Chelsea’s top 4 ambitions.
“It is a great achievement for us to get there. Winning a semifinal is a great thing, but winning a final is THE thing. It’s certainly up there due to the size of the game and the quality of the opponent, but we’ve had some good performances this season, we’re making progress, we’re improving. There have been recent hits, but today was a performance of great character and personality, work ethic and quality. So I am very happy. “
“Today was a good step for us and it was a step towards a final and we want to try to win that final, but we have shown a lot of good things this year, with a good job and the way we are progressing, and what we do in the summer will be more to come, but right now we really need to focus on the three national finals we have. The two league games and then Arsenal in the FA Cup final. “
– Frank Lampard, Source: Soccer, London.
It is certainly impressive that Chelsea is at the heart of the league and reaches the FA Cup final as they enter the last two weeks of the season. At first, the vast majority didn’t tip Chelsea to finish in the top four, but here we are, with only two games remaining.
Chelsea will face Arsenal for the second time in four years in the FA Cup final. A title in the first season of Lampard by Chelsea would be the most fantastic way to end this season (not including the Champions Leauge, which will still take place next month).
