[ad_1]
‘I remember playing in the Premier League at 36 and couldn’t play like him’: Thiago Silva has ‘exceeded’ expectations, admits Frank Lampard after scoring Chelsea’s first goal in win over West Ham in another defensive performance dominant
- Frank Lampard praised Thiago Silva after shining in West Ham’s win
- The defender helped Chelsea keep a clean sheet and also scored on the scoresheet
- Lampard said he couldn’t play every week at 36 like Silva does right now.
Frank Lampard has insisted that Thiago Silva has exceeded expectations after he continued his good form by playing a starring role in Chelsea’s victory over West Ham.
The Brazilian has become a central figure in Chelsea’s defense this season and was once again a standout player on Monday night.
The 36-year-old helped Chelsea keep a clean sheet and get back on the winning track after back-to-back losses by scoring a powerful header that steered them to a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Thiago Silva showed his quality again when Chelsea defeated West Ham on Monday night
Frank Lampard insisted the Brazilian has exceeded expectations since joining in the summer
Chelsea had struggled defensively last season, but has become noticeably more confident and resolute at the rear since Silva’s arrival in the summer.
And Blues boss Lampard praised the former Paris Saint-Germain defender after his performance inspired them to victory, saying: ‘I remember playing in the Premier League at 36 and I couldn’t play like I was playing. week after week.
“I was in and out of the team and I could feel it at that stage in my career.
“I know he’s been a great player for a long time, but the pressures of the Premier League when you’ve played in France for so long, they don’t disrespect you. But it has probably exceeded (my expectations), but it really shouldn’t have surprised me.
‘I can see the quality, the preparation, the desire to win headers and he is very studious with the game. He has been a great addition on and off the field. ”
Silva put on a solid display on defense to help Chelsea keep a clean sheet against West Ham
The 36-year-old was also on the roster and scored Chelsea’s first goal.
Tammy Abraham bagged a late double to round out the score and complete the victory.
Lampard added: ‘The defense was excellent. Thiago was the leader but [Cesar] Azpilicueta came in and did it brilliantly.
“As wingers, you have to defend your zone when they cross the ball over and over again.
“They’re very good at set pieces, so it’s something we’ve worked a lot on in training and staff like Thiago clearly help a lot.
“Some of our area defenses this season have been really good and consistent and that has to hold up, particularly against opponents like we did tonight.”
Forward Tammy Abraham bagged a double late in the second half to seal the three points as Chelsea moved up to fifth place and returned to the title fight.
