Lampard praise for kids despite half-time switch

“It happens in football,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a tough game. I’ve got no problem with them. I’ll happily speak to them.

“The performance was lethargic for the whole team and they were part of it. I’ll say that to them – no problem. If I had a problem with anyone’s work ethic or attitude I would tell them but I have no problem with them at all.”

Lampard explained that he would not have used three substitutes at half-time had extra substitutes not been allowed since play resumed following the extended stoppage due to the coronavirus.

“The substitutes are there for a bit of protection,” he said. “We’ve seen a few injuries in the first few games. The bench gives me different options. You look at midfield and attacking players who cover a lot

Holders Manchester City will face Arsenal in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, following the draw which was made after their 2-0 defeat of Newcastle United last night.

The draw:

Manchester United v Chelsea. Arsenal v Manchester City

Ties to be played at Wembley Stadium on the weekend of 18/19 July. of ground with high intensity.”

Birthday boy Kevin De Bruyne set Manchester City on the road to the FA Cup semi-finals from the penalty spot as the holders cruised past Newcastle 2-0 at St James’ Park.

The 29-year-old’s first-half spot-kick gave the visitors the lead, if not one their dominance deserved, at the break and minutes after substitute Dwight Gayle had been guilty of a glaring miss when presented with an opportunity to level, Raheem Sterling made it 2-0 in the 68th minute.

City, who will face Arsenal in the last four as derby rivals Manchester United meet Chelsea, won at a canter having enjoyed significantly in excess 2 Chelsea’s young Scot Billy Gilmour heads clear during his side’s 1-0 win at Leicester.

of 80 per cent possession in the first half. The Magpies, whose 65-yearwaitforadomestictrophy goes on, were no match for their speed of thought, movement and execution.

Earlier, Arsenal reached their first domestic semi-final of the post-arsene Wenger era as Sheffield United’s slump continued in the FA Cup with a 2-1 away win at Bramall Lane.

The Blades have been poor since the resumption, and have now lost three of their four matches in all competitions, although they thought they had taken the lead after eight minutes, but John Lundstram’s close-range header was ruled offside by VAR.

Nicolas Pepe’s first-half penalty for Arsenal then looked like it would be all that separated the sides but during a spell of late drama David Mcgoldrick equalised, before substitute Dani Ceballos won it for the Gunners in injury time when he rolled his shot beneath goalkeeper Dean Henderson from a tight angle.