The Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard has expressed his frustrations at his side’s capitulation in Wednesday’s Premier League defeat to West Ham United and the implications for their top four chances.
Willian’s brace proved to be nothing more than scant consolation as goals from Tomas Soucek, Michail Antonio and Andriy Yarmolenko gave the Hammers a thrilling 3-2 victory at the London Stadium.
Lampard was understandably crestfallen after the defeat and insisted that his charges could have done better.
“We had an opportunity to go third, but you have to do every part of the game well to win,” Lampard said post-match.
“I’m not happy with any of the goals. You don’t get given victories for scoring two goals, you have to be better than that.
“There’s no point in being down but I can’t help but say the truth today which is that it’s a game we should have won tonight.
“It’s not a big surprise – this is something that has happened a few times. We have had opportunities to jump teams above us and close gaps, and we haven’t taken them.
“That’s a sign of where we are and the reason why the rest of us are chasing Liverpool and Manchester City is the consistency they have developed,” he said.
Chelsea must now pick themselves up ahead of Saturday’s visit of Watford to Stamford Bridge as they look to continue their charge to finish in the top four.
Lampard is looking for more consistency from his side and insists paying attention to minute details is crucial if the club is to avoid dropping even more vital points.
“If you don’t get details right in big games, you’re going to drop points. I think at times we have played really well this season. As a group we need to find more consistency.
“The players have to show an extra mentality to do those bits to see the game through.”
“I’m very aware of it.
“I get to see the group as closely as anybody because it’s my job, and I’ve seen us play great games, but I’ve seen us have moments when there have been opportunities around us to capitalise on a situation, close a gap, jump a team,” he said.
