Chelsea seal a crucial win, but Frank Lampard knows he needs more - both now and in the transfer window

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Giuseppe Muro21 June 2020

For a while at Villa Park, Frank Lampard was fearing familiar failings would cost Chelsea.

The Blues dominated possession in the first half, moved the ball well but they lacked a creative spark in the final third and then conceded a sloppy goal to fall behind to Aston Villa.

Lampard said there needs to be some “leeway” after such a long break and he was pleased with the character his side showed to turn the game around in the second half and secure a crucial three points that tightens their grip on their Champions League spot.

But he knows they need to improve at both ends of the pitch, especially with Manchester City next up at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Loftus-Cheek return a potential game-changer

REUTERS

The sight of Ruben Loftus-Cheek back in a Chelsea shirt was a huge boost for Chelsea.

The England midfielder made his first appearance since he was injured playing in a charity friendly in the US at the end of last season and, while it will take him time to get back to his best, he could prove to be a game-changer for the Blues during the run-in.

A fully-fit Loftus can carry the ball past players and give them thrust in midfield they have lacked this season.

With Ross Barkley, Christian Pulisic and Billy Gilmour all on the bench today, Lampard now has a host of good midfield options to turn to.

Blues hit the ground running in top four race

REUTERS

Lampard said he was heading slightly into the unknown as Chelsea played their first match behind closed doors following the restart.

With all the excitement around Chelsea and their big-money moves in the transfer market, he knew a win was crucial in the race for the top four to stave off the challengers below them.

And after Manchester United and Tottenham drew on Friday night and Sheffield United lost at Newcastle, the Blues have hit the ground running and now sit five points clear of fifth.

Defence needs strengthening this summer

REUTERS

Before the game, Lampard said Chelsea can spend big again if necessary this summer. And while he wanted to look to the positives after this win, the first game back was a reminder that their defence is an area that needs strengthening.

Ben Chilwell is his top left-back target but central defence is also a position Lampard will have concerns.

No-one has established a strong pairing since Lampard took over and Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen had a few shaky moments at Villa Park.

The goal Chelsea conceded was soft and it was a familiar failing for the Blues this season. Lampard hoped they had put these issues behind them. It did not cost them today, but it will an area he will want to improve.

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