Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Wednesday, November 11.
Why Frank Lampard is getting the best out of Chelsea’s full-backs
Reece James and Ben Chilwell have been two of the best performers for Chelsea this season, with the full-backs playing a big part in the Blues’ march up the table.
That wasn’t necessarily the case earlier in the campaign, as Frank Lampard’s preferred 4-2-3-1 set-up left gaps in wide areas and pulled holding midfielders out of position.
In switching things up, though, Lampard has given James and Chilwell the protection they need.
We’ve looked at how the Chelsea manager’s move to a 4-3-3 formation has allowed two central midfielders to cover the space when the full-backs advance, but also create in their own right.
Against Sheffield United, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic were the two men to take on this responsibility, but the Blues have a number of players capable of slotting in.
It seems likely we’ll see Lampard persist with the approach, given how helpful it has been in getting the best out of two vital attacking outlets.
Four clubs Olivier Giroud could join in January
Olivier Giroud’s Chelsea future is once again up in the air, with the French striker struggling for game-time in the Premier League.
The veteran has played just 35 minutes in the league this season, and is understood to be considering his options in the knowledge that a place in France’s European Championships squad next summer is at stake.
If Frank Lampard is prepared to sell Giroud, it will be important for the Frenchman to choose his next destination carefully.
We have identified four clubs which could be a good fit for the former Arsenal striker if he believes his future lies away from Stamford Bridge.
The options we’ve picked out include a potential reunion with one of his former managers, a return to France after nearly a decade away, and even a move outside Europe.
Mason Mount responds to ‘teacher’s pet’ suggestions
Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has played more than most under Frank Lampard, featuring for the Blues in central or attacking midfield or occasionally as a wide forward.
The 21-year-old has also become a more prominent figure in the England national set-up since making his debut at Stamford Bridge, making his senior international debut in September 2019 and winning 10 caps for Gareth Southgate’s side.
There has been some resistance to his rise, though, with suggestions from some that he is a bit of a teacher’s pet at Chelsea after also playing under Lampard on loan at Derby County.
However, speaking to the Independent, Mount responded to those dissenting voices.
“No not at all,” Mount said when asked if he feels like a teacher’s pet.
“I’m a player that wants to do their best for the team and work hard, and maybe people take that the wrong way, I don’t know.
“You see comments here and there. I’m not one to really look too much into social media and that side of it. I know it’s big in football now, especially when the fans are not at the stadium. I’m not really one to look too much into it. It doesn’t really bother me too much. The main focus for me is playing football.”
Mount is part of the England squad for their upcoming games against Ireland, Belgium and Iceland, and is joined there by Chelsea colleagues Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Tammy Abraham.
