Put concerns about defensive weaknesses aside for now. Forget about Kepa Arrizabalaga’s low saving percentage, all those goals conceded for counterattacks and if this maddeningly inconsistent side of Chelsea will be able to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City next season.
There is no doubt that Chelsea is a long way from becoming title contenders. They have tactical flaws to eradicate, personnel problems to solve, and a manager who still has a lot to learn. However, his league campaign ended on a triumphant note, and despite all that being said about Frank Lampard’s connections that matter more than his coaching credentials when he landed his dream job last summer, he performed. above expectations, defying a transfer ban by bringing Chelsea to the Champions. League thanks to a compound victory over the wolves.
Even skeptics have to admit that the youngest Premier League coach has done a good job of guiding this team to fourth place. Little was expected of Chelsea after they sold Eden Hazard to Real Madrid last summer; Uncertainty reigned at the beginning of the season.
However, instead of moaning for not being able to spend after replacing Maurizio Sarri, Lampard dug deep. He leaned on the Chelsea academy and accepted that there would be initial problems. “It has been a difficult year, but I have enjoyed everything,” he said.
There have been low moments. Losses at home to West Ham, Bournemouth and Southampton were difficult to take, while Chelsea have conceded 54 goals, their worst defensive record since the 1996-97 season.
However, Chelsea delivered under pressure and it was satisfying for Lampard to see one of his young men, Mason Mount, shine against Wolves, opening a tight game with a glorious free kick before creating Olivier Giroud’s goal just before the break.
It was exciting to see Mount feed Giroud at the end of a move sparked by Christian Pulisic. Giroud rounded up Woli keeper Rui Patrício to make it 2-0 and Chelsea’s attack will look even more dangerous next season, with deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner already completed and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, Kai Havertz, hoped to continue.
Not everything is in its place. Chelsea need defensive reinforcements and says a lot that Lampard started Willy Caballero in place of Arrizabalaga in goal. Lampard required players he could trust and the harsh reality is that Arrizabalaga no longer falls into that category.
Surely there is no going back after such a high-profile snub. Arrizabalaga had faltered during last Wednesday’s loss to Liverpool and the Chelsea three seemed much safer without him.
“The idea that we haven’t kept enough clean sheets is not just a reflection on the goalkeeper,” said Lampard. Kepa’s decision was a recent election. I felt Willy’s experience was what we needed. “
Chelsea need a new goalkeeper, even though Caballero remains a reliable substitute. The 38-year-old made a vital contribution when the game was goalless, took a cross from Pedro Neto and his handling was solid.
The wolves, who missed sixth place and Europa League qualification throughout the league after finishing under Tottenham, created little. Nuno Espírito Santo’s team lacked incisivity and Chelsea improved as the first half progressed, squeezing the Lobos when Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic took control of the midfield.
The breakthrough came in the halting time of the first half. The wolves were strong in the challenge, but danger lurked when they conceded a 20-yard free kick. Mount stepped forward, lashing out a wonderful effort at Patricio’s right.
Chelsea, who will face Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday, doubled their lead before the halftime whistle, Pulisic and Mount combined for Giroud to score his seventh goal since the season restart. The wolves, who need to dust off before their Europa League campaign resumes next month, were beaten. Nuno sent Adama Traoré but Chelsea crossed to victory with Werner watching from the stands. The German striker must be eager to join the fun.
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