Arsenal legend and Chelsea fan Paul Merson has explained the reasons why he is most concerned about Chelsea, following a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United.
The Blues have so far only been able to beat Norwich City this season, having suffered defeat at the hands of Manchester United and drawing with Leicester City.
While the 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford raised eyebrows, Merson believes the biggest issue for Chelsea has been their management of matches - highlighting evidence for his claim.
"I was disappointed with them in the last 30 minutes against Man United, I thought they threw in the towel and drifted away," he told Sky Sports' The Debate.
"But elsewhere, it's a difficult one; as a new manager you want to come out and entertain. I'm a Chelsea fan. If Mourinho was 2-0 up against Sheffield United, he'd bring off a striker and put on another defensive midfield player.
"That was the end of the game, end of, and the other team knew that as well.
"The other teams don't know that now. Chelsea haven't got that fear factor anymore. Now, teams like Leicester can stay in the game against them, and towards the end it looked like maybe Leicester would win it."
However, Merson admitted that patience was key and identified the huge challenge facing Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
"I like Frank, and I think you get experience as you go. Would somebody else have played Mason Mount? He's a special player. And now Tammy Abraham has four goals.
"We only do this by learning, you don't get five games down the road and say 'you're out of the team', if they're not performing. You go back to square one like that. Patience, patience. These are young kids.
"Man City and Liverpool are so far ahead of everybody now, this is a different situation. If Chelsea finished in the top four this season, Frank would get manager of the year, in my opinion."
