Frank Lampard complains Chelsea players were ‘too nice’ against Arsenal

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Chelsea lost 3-1 to Premier League leaders Arsenal on a pressing night, Frank Lampard complained that his players were too bland during the first half, and the result means Chelsea have now lost all six games since Lampard’s return.

Frank Lampard described his Chelsea players as “very nice” after their 3-1 defeat by Arsenal.

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with their first win in four games to boost their fading title hopes – but doomed the Blues to another defeat this season.

Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge as caretaker manager after the sacking of Graham Potter at the start of April but lost all six of his matches.

Speaking after the loss against the Emirates, the Blues coach said: “He is not good enough in the first half, and this confirms the result.

“The first half wasn’t good enough from all sides. The second half is much better. It was nice to play against us from all sides in the first half.

Frank Lampard complained his players were too bland against Arsenal on Tuesday night, and Chelsea have temporarily lost all six of their matches since returning last month.

“In the second half we played like a team with a threat at the top. In the first half it was very easy to play against us.

“It’s difficult because you want to win matches, but it’s our job, and we’ll work at it.

“It’s an easy way because they don’t care enough – but the players sure do. I question them like lads. But, I hate to say it, their confidence is low. Because you’re playing for Chelsea, there’s a level of performance you have to do, you can be low. In confidence but still show a dynamic side to your game.

We need to find the causes quickly – but it won’t be an overnight solution. We have to do the basics better and then we will make some progress.

“The first half wasn’t good enough as a performance for our players and where we want to be like Chelsea but it’s true and that’s what I came for. That’s what we need to improve as a club.”

Arsenal’s victory came at a cost, however, as defender Gabriel was removed from his place in the second half with what appeared to be an ankle problem.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Brazilian is doubtful about Sunday’s crucial game in Newcastle.

Chelsea currently sit 12th in the Premier League with 39 points – half of Arsenal’s Chelsea players were seen arguing with each other after Arsenal made it 2-0 at half-time.

With William Saliba’s match-readiness at St James’ Park as he struggles to recover from a lower back injury, Gabriel’s fitness will be a major concern for Arteta.

And about his team’s victory, which made him overtake Manchester City and occupy first place, Arteta added: “This was proof that they still believe (they can win the title).

We can’t drop our heads. For us to be where we are in 10 months, I’m not going to let anyone not talk about and feel about it.

“If we wanted to have any chance of winning the league we had to win today. We want to get back to the top and it’s our mission today.

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