Nunes ...... 1 FRANK BLUE IN FACE AS BOSS Clueless..0 GETS OFF TO STINKING START
FRANK LAMPARD admitted Chelsea lacked “aggression, speed and competitiveness” after his second debut as boss ended in disappointment.
And there are many other words you can use to sum up this shocking display.
The Blues were passive, lifeless and lacking in any kind of energy or urgency.
You have to question their spirit too, looking more like a team of individuals.
New manager bounce? This was more like new manager limp.
Legendary former player Lampard has been appointed until the end of the season, resuming his previous Stamford Bridge 2019-2021 role replacing the axed Graham Potter.
But he immediately found it tough, with Matheus Nunes’ spectacular first-half goal giving Wolves a deserved win.
Lampard said: “It’s a big task to manage Chelsea Football Club and we know we’re not in a position we want to be in. There is always a reason for it.
“I didn’t expect to solve everything in one day.
“It was a performance where you need more aggression, speed and more competitive duels against a side who are fighting for their lives.
“The players need to be aware of that. It was interesting to see in many ways – I’m here to help not give stinging criticism and find the reasons. There is a lot of talent there and I look forward to working more with them.
“There has been a lot of change and that’s not an excuse but things need to improve and I think that performance summed it up.
“I have to get an understanding of it. When I say mindset, it’s not necessarily a negative. You have
to get used to winning and make it a habit.”
After a slow start, the hosts began to threaten.
Mario Lemina saw a shot deflected wide before they took a surprise lead in the 31st minute.
Daniel Podence’s cross was only partly cleared by Kalidou Koulibaly and Nunes let fly with a stunner of a right-footed half-volley.
Chelsea looked subdued in response with Wanderers coming close to netting an immediate second.
It was the Blues’ former striker Diego Costa who capitalised on some poor Reece James
defending but his left-footer was well kept out by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Lampard’s men were second best but nearly levelled before half-time as Joao Felix’s effort was saved by Jose Sa.
Early in the second half James saw a shot following a free-kick comfortably miss the target.
Matheus Cunha then twice went close for Wolves, first denied by Arrizabalaga and then shooting off target.
Pierre-emerick Aubameyang came on for Chelsea for his first appearance since February.
He looked amongst the liveliest of the visiting players – which was not really saying much. Chelsea lacked any kind of passion though.
Their expensively assembled squad played like it was an Easter walk in the park.
And clear-cut chances were not coming as Wolves never looked like being troubled.
The closest the Blues came in the second half was in injury time as sub Ben Chilwell’s shot missed the target from an Aubayemang lay-off.
Cheeky home fans taunted Lampard with chants of, “You’re getting sacked in the morning.”
This was a massive win for Wanderers – a first in four – to move them up to 12th and just one place behind Chelsea.
In amongst some inconsistent displays, they have now beaten Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea at Molineux.
Nunes did limp off but not even that could spoil their day that much.
Boss Julen Lopetegui said (right): “We are very happy. And the goal was really beautiful.
“Each team can beat any team in the Premier League, that’s why we need to put the focus into our work.”