Lampard’s roller-coaster lads

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea are up for a roller-coaster season after yet another evidence of their buccaneering nature last weekend.

The young blues and their equally young manager have, however, been erratic at times in the Premier League this term.

They did skip past the daunting challenge of Wolves at the Molineux helped by Tammy Abraham’s first Premier League hat trick.

Faced with the absences of Emerson Palmieri - their most consistent performer this term- and N’golo Kanté; Lampard tweaked the formation to match Wolves’ three-at-the-back to provide extra defensive cover to his leaky defence whilst deploying Emerson’s replacement, Marcos Alonso, in his favoured wing-back role.

This adaptability is a masterstroke as it surprised more than a few and will be regular of Lampard’s Chelsea. It is a fresh approach from Maurizio Sarri and his persistence with only one way of playing

Chelsea now play with confidence, exciting fans with their intensity.

Tammy Abraham took home the match ball after his feat against Wolves. Image Credit: Getty Images

That confidence has been characterized by hat trick hero Tammy Abraham who has impressed anyone who witnessed his goalscoring prowess.

Becoming the youngest-ever Chelsea player to score a Premier League hat trick is an amazing feat for the 21-year-old. However, a variety to his goals show aerial prowess, quick feet and predatory instincts in his game.

Currently joint-top goalscorer with Sergio Agüero on seven goals; Abraham has also showcased his finishing touch from only eight shots on target, excellent movement and danger from outside the box.

Chelsea fans hoped for Abraham’s work rate, Olivier Giroud’s hold-up play and Michy Batshuayi’s finishing ability in their frontman this year and Abraham is proving his worth to the team. 

Coached by the club’s greatest-ever goalscorer, Tammy is a devastating prospect.

Chelsea have been uncharacteristically shambolic defensively, conceding 11 goals in five games. Image Credit: Reuters

With all of Chelsea’s attacking play garnished by good goals from Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori in the 5-2 win; the defensive issues that have proved their main problem continue to haunt them as they conceded two avoidable goals.

This has become a regular occurrence in their season however, playing absolutely brilliantly but getting caught out defensively.

Antonio Rüdiger’s return from injury will give the blues a huge boost in defence. Kanté, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James will also make imminent returns to increase competition for places and hopefully maintain consistency.

Chelsea's home-grown players are leading the charge this season. Image Credit: Getty Images

It is obvious that Chelsea’s kids can play, and with improved concentration levels in defence can remain competitive this season.

All 11 league goals this season were scored by academy graduates aged 21 years or under, and the experienced heads have to provide inspiration as the season progresses.

The likes of Kanté, Rüdiger, Azpilicueta, Pedro, Willian, Jorginho and Giroud must be exemplary on and off the pitch.

The lack of expectation is the perfect atmosphere for Chelsea and Lampard to thrive this season. With Tammy Abraham and the rest of the youngsters in inspired form, experienced players on their toes and a fully-fit squad rid of defensive calamities; the potential is boundless.

Frank Lampard has a big job on his hands to get the best out of his squad. Image Credit: AFP/GETTY

Nevertheless, should Lampard fail to solve the insecurity at the back and keep with the trend which has seen top six sides regularly concede goals amidst a lack of clean sheets, it wouldn’t be out of place in the Premier League.

At the time of writing, five teams currently vie for the four spots below Liverpool and City, with Leicester added firmly into that mix. Much like the end to last season, Chelsea’s situation adds to the several twists and turns in that race.

The uncertainty, that’s why we all love and watch the Premier League don't we?