On Tuesday night, Chelsea played out an incredible 4-4 draw against Ajax at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League. Last season’s semi-finalists finished the game with nine men after the second-half dismissals of Daley Blind and Joel Veltman.
Frank Lampard’s side came back from 4-1 down to rescue a point that could be vital in the race to top Group H. The Blues are now neck and neck with the Dutch side on seven points from their four games so far in the group stages.
The performance was typical of Lampard’s young side under the former England international. They were exciting going forward, even if they produced a poor defensive display.
🗣 ‘It was a mad one. Chelsea fans know the stories we've had in the Champions League. I don’t think there are many you can compare it to in our day.'— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 6, 2019
🗣 ‘It was a mad one. Chelsea fans know the stories we've had in the Champions League. I don’t think there are many you can compare it to in our day.'
However, just as in the Premier League, the Blues never gave up and have now lost just once in their last ten matches in all competitions.
The appointment of Lampard was a gamble for Chelsea. With the Blues banned from making transfers, the clubs hierarchy chose a boss who the fans would get behind. Lampard had just one season as a boss, missing out on promotion to the top-flight with Derby County last season.
The people at the top of the club probably thought they had nothing to lose by the appointment of the former England star. The decision seems to have paid off so far.
Lampard has continued keeping the faith with young players and he seems to get the best out of them.
Expectations were low for this season due to the transfer ban and Lampard learning on the job. However, the spirit and hunger his players shown during Tuesday night’s game showed that Lampard is capable of managing at the top level.
The Blues are on course to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. They are also in the Premier League’s top-four and the signs are that Frank Lampard could be well a good long-term solution in the Blues hot seat.