Frank Lampard left frustrated as Chelsea prevail over a determined Crystal Palace
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was left frustrated after his side surrendered control in the nerve-wracking win over Crystal Palace.
The Blues twice looked in control and had a two-goal lead only to make it difficult for themselves thereafter.
“At 2-0 we should have carried on and controlled the game better and at 3-2 we had a lot of chances, good chances, to finish it off.”
The Blues currently have a five-point lead over Manchester United in the race for fourth place. However, had Palace equalized in stoppage time, that lead would have been just three points, with United having a game in hand.
It was a possibility that was just inches away from coming to life. Palace thought they had equalized, only for the ball to strike the post, much to our relief.
Add to it that Kepa Arrizabalaga was forced into a wonderful fingertip save to deny Scott Dann before Christian Benteke was thwarted by Kurt Zouma’s last-ditch challenge in the 96th minute.
“Kepa made a great save and Kurt made a great tackle. In those last moments it was nerve-wracking for us.”
The Chelsea goalkeeper came under fire for Wilfried Zaha’s opener. He, however, redeemed himself with the late save. He also came in for special praise from his manager.
“That is what Kepa’s job is and what he is there for.”
Another positive was Tammy Abraham finally finding the net again. The youngster’s goal turned out to be the winner as Benteke scored soon after.
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The Blues looked to be in absolute control when leading 2-0. Zaha’s thunderbolt of a strike completely turned the complexion of the game.
Chelsea have a young squad who are still making their name in the game. But the ability to keep the morale up should be a responsibility that the veterans in the squad must take the mantle for.
We got away with all three points against Palace. There is no reason why our luck should hold every game.