Brentford 2-0 Chelsea Highlights
Watch Brentford 2-0 Chelsea Highlights, as Brentford had a victory where Azpilicueta own goal resulted in the defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time record goalscorer, has now lost his opening five games in charge after Cesar Azpilicueta’s first-half own goal (37) and substitute Bryan Mbeumo’s deflected strike (78) extended the club’s worst run since 1993 in all competitions.
Lampard who previously led Chelsea between 2019 and 2021 re-joined the club on an interim basis until the end of the season following the sacking of Graham Potter earlier this month.
However, the 44-year-old has overseen Premier League losses at Wolves and at home to Brighton, plus defeats to Real Madrid in both legs of their Champions League quarter-final.
To make matters worse, Chelsea have only scored one goal under Lampard – a heavily deflected Conor Gallagher strike against Brighton.
Brentford made the short trip without a win in six, but having earned their first west London derby victory at their rivals in 83 years last season, this deserved success keeps their outside European aspirations alive.
The Bees sit ninth in the table – six points off seventh-placed Tottenham in the Europa Conference League berth – and eight points above Chelsea in 11th.
Chelsea have far from lived up to expectations since their January transfer window splurge and on this evidence, a reversal of fortune under latest man-in-charge Lampard shows no signs of looming. Here, an own goal helped decide a contest in which the hosts were again bereft of quality and confidence.
Lampard hasn’t exactly enhanced his reputation since taking the job for a second time. His last Premier League win as a manager was against Crystal Palace back in October. He has now lost 16 of the last 19 games as a manager.
Thiago Silva saw a tame headed effort initially spilled by David Raya but he had time to gather at the second attempt. There was no danger of a predatory finisher emerging from the shadows dressed in blue.
Enzo Fernandez was next to try his luck. The World Cup winner has completed more passes than any other midfielder in the Premier League since his debut in early February but his shot from N’Golo Kante’s pullback was too polite, and easily tipped over by Raya.
Brentford struck on 37 minutes when Mathias Jensen’s corner was met by Mathias Jorgensen only for his attempted header to glance inadvertently past Kepa Arrizabalaga by Azpilicueta. It never rains but it pours.
It was the 15th set-piece goal scored by Brentford in the Premier League this season. Frank’s side had failed to win each of the last four league games that they had opened the scoring in, including last time out in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
Thomas Lampard on postmatch interview
Thomas Lampard acknowledged the balance of Chelsea’s squad must be addressed this summer after his side extended their woeful run in front of goal to just one strike during his five games in charge.
“There is a balance of the squad thing to address,” said the interim head coach. “I think everybody sees that.
“This has been a problem that predates me. Maybe there aren’t goals so much in the team. It’s a clear issue in the squad.”
Lampard refused to criticise his players after a fifth successive defeat though, saying: “I feel for the players because it absolutely wasn’t an application thing.
“You control the game, create some chances. With 20 per cent more confidence as a group, we win the game probably.”
Lampard also dismissed suggestions that Chelsea supporters – who greeted the full-time whistle with jeers – would be unhappy at him exonerating the players for the result
“If you’re a Chelsea fan, you’re used to 20 years of success. I’ve got no problem with fans booing. I’m not going to sit here and go against the fans.
“I’ll defend the players because I know they’re young lads who want to do well.”
