Playing for 90
Fansided

Five Champions League takeaways

By Ernesto Hernandez

NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 17: Fernando Llorente, Dries Mertens and Eljif Elmas of SSC Napoli celebrate the victory after the UEFA Champions League group E match between SSC Napoli and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Paolo on September 17, 2019 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 17: Fernando Llorente, Dries Mertens and Eljif Elmas of SSC Napoli celebrate the victory after the UEFA Champions League group E match between SSC Napoli and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Paolo on September 17, 2019 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Players of Valencia CF celebrate their team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Valencia CF at Stamford Bridge on September 17, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Players of Valencia CF celebrate their team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Valencia CF at Stamford Bridge on September 17, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

3. Frank Lampard’s struggles at Chelsea continue

Valencia came into Stamford Bridge as a club in disarray having sacked their manager three weeks into the season. As a result, their players self-imposed a silent treatment and refused to speak to the media.

They let their play speak for themselves and pulled off an upset as they beat Chelsea 1-0 thanks to a goal from Rodrigo.

As much of a feel good story that might have been for Valencia, it was the complete opposite for Chelsea.

Ross Barkley had the opportunity to draw the game level with a penalty but missed. The miss was only compounded by the fact that there was a discussion between Jorginho and Willian as who was going to take the penalty.

According to The Guardian, Frank Lampard said that Barkley was first in line to take the penalty.

Nevertheless, it’s another bump in Lampard’s short tenure as manager. His team struggled to create goal scoring opportunities and relying on young players in these kinds of tournament almost never works.

Another curious aspect is his reluctance to use Christian Pulisic. The American left his national team early to get back to London and has not been taken into consideration since. It’s even more curious considering he was the only transfer Chelsea made this season after their transfer ban was upheld.

Being a club legend, the fans will be patient. But more stumbles like this and Lampard may quickly be feeling the heat.

Home/Champions League