'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
For Frank Lampard, the nervousness hovering around Stamford Bridge before Sunday's game was a reminder that he was already walking a tightrope. The Blues were known for their limited patience in handling under-performing managers, and the Englishman's start to life as the Chelsea boss had been underwhelming. While there had been a lot of factors which caused two back to back defeats in his first two competitive games, Football was a results-oriented business. And being a Football Manager can sometimes be a thankless job.
As such, the Englishman knew that he had to win the home game against Leicester City on Sunday to breathe easy. However, Lampard was also aware that the Foxes could be a tough nut to crack, even away from home, and named his team accordingly.
Kepa Arrizabalaga continued in goal, while the back four consisted of Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma and Emerson. N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mason Mount made up a three-man midfield while Pedro and Christian Pulisic started either side of Olivier Giroud in the attack.
In the end, though, Frank Lampard was undone by a resolute Leicester City side who stormed back into the game in the second half to score the equalizer. The game ended 1-1, as Leicester clearly were the better side among the two. The Englishman will be troubled by his team second-half performance, but here are three tactics used by Frank Lampard which cost Chelsea the game.
#3 Trying to absorb Leicester pressure in the second half
Even though the Chelsea defense looked nervous every time Leicester City piled men forward, Lampard decided to play on the counter-attack in the second half. Since Chelsea had the lead in the game, this was a tactic that made sense, however, there was an inherent risk associated with the plan.
It was clear from the previous two games that the Chelsea defense was extremely weak, and was missing a leader at the back. Both Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen are novices who still seem to have a mistake in them. When Lampard decided to play on the counter, he was willing to let his team allow Leicester to come at them. While attempting this, Chelsea lost control of the game and failed to absorb Leicester City pressure. The opposition had a lot of chances to score, and ultimately found the back of the net from a corner.
#2 Not using Giroud's physical presence
After Olivier Giroud had scored against Liverpool, Frank Lampard decided to start with him against Leicester City as well. The Frenchman provides an added dimension to this fast and fluid Chelsea team. Giroud's physicality can be a handful for most defense in the league and since Leicester City were already without Harry Maguire, there was an opportunity for Chelsea to take advantage of.
Early in the game, the Frenchman showed his presence in the opposition box, easily winning long balls and carving out two good chances for his team. His ability to hold on to the ball and support late runs from the midfield should have been an asset for the blues on the night. Strangely though, Chelsea stopped playing long balls and Giroud, as a result, was isolated in attack.
Lampard would have been better advised to try and use the Frenchman's physicality against the new look Leicester City back line. Unfortunately, he decided otherwise and it cost Chelsea the game.
#1 Lack of Pressing in the second half
Chelsea started the game very well, implementing a high press and closing down the opposition around the pitch. Every player looked sharp and pressed with intent, as Leicester City had their backs to the wall. The Blues played the game at a very high tempo and dictated the terms in the midfield. And their efforts bore fruits very soon.
As soon as Wilfred Ndidi received the ball near his box, Mason Mount spotted an opportunity. He harrowed the Nigeria, stole the ball and then expertly finished to give his team the lead. At that point, it appeared as if Chelsea would easily score a couple in the next few minutes. However, Leicester City held on and clawed back into the game.
After the break, Chelsea suddenly changed tactics and no longer pressed the ball. While a couple of players still closed down the opposition, it was not the collective press of the first half. This allowed Leicester City to get comfortable, find their feet and score.
Lampard's decision to stop pressing the opposition had a telling impact on the result and ultimately cost Chelsea the game
