Alan Shearer gives verdict on Chelsea’s progress under Frank Lampard this season

Alan Shearer says that there’s no reason to doubt Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard after his ‘strong start’ to life as the Blues boss. Chelsea are currently 3rd in the Premier League table with 2 points behind Tottenham and Liverpool, who are first and second in the league table, respectively. Lampard's first season with the Blues was followed by a transfer ban, however, during this summer the ban was lifted and they signed several players including Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech as well as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. "I spoke to Lampard last week and, quite rightly, he was delighted with the progress his side had made and where they were at, defensively and offensively," Shearer told BBC Sport. "Sunday’s draw does not change that. Chelsea have now only lost once – to Liverpool – in 16 games in all competitions in 2020-21 and are already through to the last 16 of the Champions League. "They are third in the Premier League, only two points off the top, and are joint-highest scorers. Things are coming together nicely for them, and Lampard deserves a lot of credit for that. "At the beginning of this season, expectations were very different because they spent so big in the summer and there is probably more pressure on Lampard. So far, though, he has delivered. "There is still so much that Frank wants to achieve – and win – at Chelsea, but he has made a very strong start. He has not given anyone any reason to doubt him as manager – far from it, in fact." "There was a time when Chelsea were leaking goals badly at the back but that is no longer the case," he added. "In all competitions, they have conceded only two goals in their past nine games. "…the Blues are harder to break down, but they have not lost their cutting edge in attack, where they have so many options to choose from. "They did not manage a goal against Tottenham, but had by far the better opportunities even though Mourinho’s side were reluctant to open up for the majority of the game. "A point against Spurs in the form they are in goes down as a good result of course but, knowing Frank, he will believe his side can get even better. His challenge now is to build on this excellent start." source - Metro / Join us on Telegram

Marina Granovskaia has already identified Chelsea’s first January transfer window target