Frank Lampard has downplayed the excitement of Chelsea being at the top of the table so early
Speaking in an interview with the club, Frank Lampard has downplayed the euphoria of Chelsea being temporarily on the top of the Premier League table after the Blues’ 2-0 weekend win.
The Blues beat Newcastle United 2-0 earlier in the weekend to go top of the Premier League table briefly. This led to questions being asked of the Chelsea side and if they were strong enough to sustain the title charge until the end of the season. (h/t Chelsea FC)
However, after the win against the Magpies, Frank Lampard was not getting carried away by the result and the league table. The boss stated that there was still room for improvement and called for consistency throughout the remainder of the season.
“After 8 or 9 games, it would be very easy to get excited about being in a lofty position but I’m not going to smile too much at the league table. It’s nice to have 3 points when you’re the first game of the weekend but I knew the league table would change by the end of it. We can only worry about ourselves and our recent form has meant we’re in a decent position but doing that consistently over a big period is the next step for us now.’
Chelsea are just 2 points adrift from the top of the table, with Spurs and Liverpool ahead of them in the pack. It is an impressive start to the season from the Blues who are now on a three-match winning run.
Keeping in mind that Chelsea trailed the Champions by 30, 26, and 33 points respectively at the end of the last three seasons, Lampard has said that the side’s first and foremost target is to close down the gap between them and the leaders.
‘The first port of call this year was to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool, who have set different levels of consistency and amassing points through a season,’ he explained. We are improving but we cannot get carried away with ourselves at this early stage. We have to try to reach those levels of consistency but I’m happy with where we’re at right now.’
Chelsea are now on a 12-match unbeaten run. Their last and only defeat this season in all competitions came in September – a league clash to defending Premier League champions Liverpool.
The Blues welcome league leaders and city rivals Tottenham Hotspur next weekend, but before that, we have to tackle French side in the UEFA Champions League.
With the club’s new signings impressing already, and Lampard having found a winning formula, it is not unrealistic to hope that Chelsea are one of the teams involved in the Premier League title race when the season draws to a close.