Lamps could get blown out if Blues don’t splash cash
AFTER SUCH an impressive start to life as Chelsea manager you’d have to trust Frank Lampard knows what he’s doing.
Having guided his side into the top four and booked a Champions League knock-out tie with Bayern Munich later next month, Lampard has, so far, made the managerial transition from Championship to Premier League look a breeze.
But if February arrives and Chelsea haven’t boosted their squad, the Stamford Bridge boss may have missed a trick.
Lampard has confessed he’s more than prepared to let the window close with no new additions.
Yet after this last-gasp defeat by Newcastle you suspect that might be a mistake with Manchester United ready to chase Chelsea all the way for a top-four place.
And if United manage to find a compromise to sign Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes – or anyone else – in the 13 days that remain to do business, Lampard’s immaculate copy-book may find itself blotted.
Chelsea had plenty of quality on show on Tyneside last night but they seemed short of a spark – in midfield and attack.
It’s perfectly sensible not to buy for the sake of it – but you’d imagine Chelsea have a couple of viable targets?
Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, Lyon forward Moussa Dembele and Crystal Palace flyer Wilfried Zaha have been linked.
All three would be difficult to push over the line – but why not try? And it would give Lampard’s stars a boost as they try to put more distance between themselves and United, who have more fire-power than the rest of the chasing pack.
Chelsea don’t need major surgery – not with talented England trio Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi stepping up well.
But Lampard knows you stand still in the Premier League and you’re a dead man walking – and he’s too smart for that.
Lampard against Bruce might be a mismatch in terms of managerial experience.
But the Geordie boss had never beaten the Chelsea rookie as a player or manager in 18 meetings.
And although Chelsea and Newcastle have contrasting agendas this season, the on-pitch gulf didn’t seem as big as their differing ambitions.
The key to Newcastle satisfying their fans is amassing enough points to make sure the final quarter of the season isn’t a relegation fight.
To their credit the Geordies refused to let Chelsea have it all their own way despite Lampard’s men dominating possession almost from the start.
Lampard’s defence looked vulnerable to crosses and £40million Brazilian star Joelinton lifted St James’ Park with a thumping 21st-minute header which crashed against the crossbar.
Chelsea pressed hard for the winner in the last 20 minutes – but Newcastle triumphed through sheer grit and determination.
Over to you, Frank.