Here are the Chelsea evening headlines for Wednesday, October 21.
Silva influence clear after Sevilla clean sheet
Chelsea’s defence looked noticeably more secure after the return of Thiago Silva against Sevilla last night.
The 36-year-old was a composed and experienced presence in a back four that looked shaky only a few days ago as Frank Lampard’s side surrendered a lead to draw 3-3 with Southampton.
It was a performance from Silva that suggested he could help Chelsea improve significantly as a defensive unit.
“I thought he was very good today,” Lampard said after the goalless draw.
“I spoke about quality and experience before the game and he brought both of those and it affects others around him, which I think he did. He was a big plus in terms of getting the clean sheet.”
Lampard ‘not considering’ Champions League title
Frank Lampard has remained coy on suggestions Chelsea could win the Champions League this season.
Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui claimed the Blues were one of the teams in contention before Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.
But Lampard is clearly reluctant to look that far ahead.
“I didn’t consider it too much. I saw it. Things before games I don’t put too much on them because I think it is normal to talk well about the other team, it’s something I always do,” said the Chelsea boss in his post-match press conference.
“They are a quality team. Can Sevilla win the tournament? Yes they can, there are a lot of teams who can win it. For us, I am not jumping down the line, I am just looking at us now, we are early in our season, we’re a few games in and we are going to get better.
“The clean sheet today was a nice side for us about how we are working and the personnel we had today, so it doesn’t matter what anyone else says. We are going step by step at the minute.”
Mendy confirmed as Chelsea’s No.1 goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy is now Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper after impressing against Sevilla, Frank Lampard has confirmed.
Lampard has hailed the summer signing’s performances since his arrival from Rennes, while Kepa Arrizabalaga has continued to look unconvincing when called upon.
And Mendy now looks to have the No.1 spot nailed down.
“I think the way he has played in the three games since being here, he has played very well,” he said. “So at the minute, yes. I said when he came in it was good for competition.
“We knew his qualities and he is showing them already. So as it stands, yes it is.
"But that always remains something that is up for grabs, so that is why you have competition at clubs. The way he is playing I am very happy.”
