Lampard explains why Chelsea ‘not answering’ questions at home

Will Ford
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 22: Chelsea Manager Frank Lampard during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard believes a lack of space at Stamford Bridge is making it difficult to break teams down, and admits his side need to learn quickly.

The Blues never really threatened a superbly organised Southampton team, who ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

Michael Obafemi scored a wonderful individual goal in the first half, which was followed by a similarly classy team goal for the Saints in the second period.

Lampard admitted Chelsea were facing the same problem as they have done all season at home.

He said: “It felt the same as recent games. They were organised. We need to be better at breaking teams down. I think we have enough to be better than we were today. It needs to be a quick learning process now. When there is no space it’s a different question.

“Teams are making it difficult here. We are not making enough chances, we were at the beginning of the season. We are being asked a different question at home. At the moment we are not answering them. We do not manage to pick up that final pass.

“Against Tottenham we had space to make runs and today we had none. It changes things. We did not do it right today. I think if at the start of the season we would have been happy where we are. We are good away but we have to make it difficult to come here.”

On bringing Mason Mount on at half time, Lampard said: “It had a small impact but it did not change the result. Mason has been feeling rough the last few days. It brightened it a bit but not enough.”