Here’s your Chelsea digest for Thursday, July 23.
Lampard’s biggest dilemma
Wednesday’s defeat against Liverpool means that the race for the two remaining Champions League places will include Chelsea on the final day.
Manchester United’s draw against West Ham earlier in the evening gave Chelsea a real opportunity to seal their place by getting at least a point at Anfield on the day Liverpool were crowned as Premier League Champions.
However, Lampard’s men found themselves 3-1 down at half time, with the game ending in a 5-3 defeat.
Chelsea have already made moves in the transfer market, with Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner arriving, but the Blues boss has a problem that may not be solved by adding players.
Champions League permutations
That defeat means that the last day will now be crucial for Chelsea, the Blues need just one point to secure their place, but face a Wolves side fighting to get into Europe themselves.
With Leicester City and Manchester United, the two teams fighting for the two spots alongside Chelsea, playing each other on Sunday, what scenarios could raise their heads on what could prove to be a dramatic final day?
Lampard on Pulisic and Hazard comparisons
It was Christian Pulisic’s introduction in the second half of the game against Liverpool that gave Chelsea hope in the game.
Within minutes of entering the pitch, the USA international provided an assist for Tammy Abraham to make in 4-2.
The forward then drew Chelsea to within one goal of their opponents when he turned and finished neatly in the Liverpool box.
His display in recent weeks has seen him compared to former Chelsea man Eden Hazard, and speaking in his post-match press conference , Lampard has given his verdict on them comparisons.
“He is hugely important. He has had that impact. I was here for Eden's first year and it's not easy to come into the Premier League, even for Eden in that first year, and adapt to the Premier League,” he said.
“Christian has had his moments. Since mid-season he's had a really good patch, since restart he has been in incredible form. Only the injury he picked up in the Norwich game has kept him out of the semi-final when he is flying. Today he comes on and has 40 minutes, with the injury, which is great to show the quality that he has been showing.”
