Chelsea can nonetheless get higher Frank Lampard insists, regardless of the Blues boss guiding his aspect to the highest of the Premier League.
The west Londoners on Saturday lunchtime strolled previous Newcastle, successful 2-Zero at historic bogey floor St James’ Park to maneuver (briefly, not less than) into first place.
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A Federico Fernandez own-goal opened the scoring and Tammy Abraham netted his third of the season within the second half to wrap up all three factors, because the Blues by no means acquired out of second gear.
However they didn’t must play higher to beat a limp and listless Magpies outfit, who will contemplate themselves fortunate to prevented a extra embarrassing scoreline.
Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount and Olivier Giroud actually ought to have all hit the again of the web, however Timo Werner was the principle responsible occasion when it got here to losing alternatives.
The Germany ahead did arrange Abraham’s aim with a effective solo run, however on so many events he fluffed his strains within the closing third with the aim gaping.
And Lampard, whereas happy together with his gamers changing sufficient probabilities to safe the factors, insists there may be nonetheless a technique to go earlier than Chelsea are enjoying to the usual they need to be.
“We appeared on the concept of recruiting by the lengthy season final yr,” Lampard advised talkSPORT. “With the [transfer] ban we had time to take a look at it and I do know that gamers of that stage in attacking areas – Timo, Kai [Havertz], Hakim Ziyech has are available and been necessary for us – can add to groups.
“Final yr we had the factor of 18 pictures and don’t rating and lose the sport.
“At the moment we come right here, get our objectives and win the sport.
Adrian Durham believes Chelsea are severe contenders for the Premier League title and compares Thiago Silva signing to Virgil Van Dijk’s influence at Liverpool
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“However it’s all the time a group effort and I’m pleased with the place we’re in the intervening time – however there may be room for enchancment nonetheless.”
Regardless of Lampard urging continued enchancment, his aspect are actually prime of the Premier League with 22 objectives scored in solely 9 video games, whereas in addition they have seven clear sheets of their previous 9 matches in all competitions..
This defensive turnaround – from extremely leaky at first of the season to defensively sound after only some months – does please the Blues boss.
He added: “You must work to unravel issues and points, and the gamers on the pitch are working to try this.
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“It’s nice for his or her confidence; you possibly can see the grins on their faces, notably on the again finish of the pitch once they get their clear sheets.
“And it isn’t straightforward to try this right here. They needed to work exhausting for it, particularly with the bodily play of Newcastle at instances.
“And I used to be happy with the gamers’ response.”
