Lampard explains why Chelsea tasted shocking defeat at the hands of Moyes
Premier League
By
Waweru Titus
| Jul 02, 2020
Chelsea tasted shocking 3-2 defeat after super-sub Andriy Yarmolenko scored a last-gasp winner to give West Ham three crucial points on Wednesday.
Chelsea head coach told Sky Sports News after the match that some of the performances in the 2019/20 season have been sloppy, allowing opponents to capitalise on mistakes.
Lampard challenged his players to have the right mentality when approaching games as the top four race gains intensity.
"It's the story of our season. It's been a good season but there have been so many of these moments. We had an opportunity today to go through but you have to do every part of the game to get results.
"If you switch off or make one or two errors then you will encourage teams. Players have to show an extra mentality to get through these games.
"I get to see this group closely and I've seen us play great games then have moments where there's the opportunity to capitalise and that's the difference at the moment. We have work to do,” Lampard told Sky Sports.
According to the former Chelsea midfielder, his players have to defend as a unit and help the backline thwart attacks from opponents.
"There's without a doubt a good group of players in there but then when you analyse the consistency, you feel a game like this is coming. Again, that shows there's work to do.
"If we are opening up to try and score that winning goal then we have to be prepared to run back the other way and defend. And defend better,” said Lampard.
Ice in his veins ?? pic.twitter.com/TFUusEb9gF — West Ham United (@WestHam) July 1, 2020
Lampard pointed out the race for booking Champions League slots is quite intense as Manchester United and Wolves are on a good run and have quality players who can make a difference.
"We are two points ahead of Manchester United, who have been playing fantastic and are on a great run, Wolves are having a great season and they're behind us, Leicester have had a great season and we're just behind them.
"It's about perspective. We are upset because we wanted to win the game, we're footballers and we're in a good position. So there's no point in being down but I can't help but say the truth today which is that it's a game we should have won tonight,” Lampard lamented.
David Moyes silenced critics as his players, especially Michail Antonio Antonio, produced a display of which he can be proud.
The 3-2 victory over Chelsea at the London Stadium lifts Moyes' side three points above the relegation zone, while Chelsea – for whom Willian scored twice, including a stunning free-kick – missed the chance to climb to third in the Premier League table.