‘We are now desperate for a win’ – Canaries warned not to underestimate sluggish Chelsea
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard issues his instructions during Sunday's 1--1 home draw with Leicester. Picture: Steven Paston/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Norwich City have been warned not to take Chelsea lightly, after a tired display continued a disappointing start to life under club legend Frank Lampard.
The Blues head to Carrow Road on Saturday lunchtime (12.30pm kick-off) looking to shake off a sluggish start to the reign of former England midfielder Lampard, opening with a 4-0 loss at Manchester United.
That was followed by a 2-2 draw with Liverpool after extra-time in the Uefa Super Cup final in Istanbul last Wednesday, being beaten on penalties, before a rampant start gave way to a 1-1 home draw with Leicester.
Well respected pundit Pat Nevin, a former Chelsea winger, said after the draw: "When too many players are tired the game opens up, the play gets stretched and because of that James Maddison in particular got acres of space in the number 10 position on Sunday, something that should never be allowed.
"Is this a huge worry going forward? I really do not think it is because by the time we get to Norwich this weekend, the players should have recovered, and certainly the Canaries will not have anywhere near the same advantages that the Foxes had in terms of extra rest."
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The former Scotland midfielder feels Blues fans are sticking with Lampard, despite the worrying start to the season, continuing: "It is disappointing to have only one point after two games, so we are now desperate for a win in the next one. A start of one or two points out of nine would be the last thing Frank wanted.
"Fortunately there is a willingness to understand the difficulties and there is unlikely to be any real pressure coming from the stands in the short term, which really helps the players.
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"In tough times having the Chelsea fans onside makes a huge difference."
Young midfielder Mason Mount, who played for Lampard at Derby last season, had taken the lead during an energetic start but the Foxes equalised in the second half - to give Norwich hope for this weekend.
Writing in his regular column for Chelsea's website, Nevin concluded: "There will be teething problems with the team, we all know that, but if we can simply extend that first 25 to 30 minutes a bit longer with each game, then very soon we will be a force to be reckoned with."
