It’s hard to blame Frank Lampard too much for his team selection against Bournemouth. Most fans, in the same situation, would have picked an almost identical team. But if you have the Chelsea boss the chance again, there’s probably one shift he would make.
Emerson offered so little from the left full back position, and while Cesar Azpilicueta was one of our better players in the defeat, knowing how the game panned out, with the second half spent largely in the Cherries’ half, Lampard might have wished he’s started the Spaniard on the left instead. That would have made space for the super-dynamic Reece James on the right, adding speed and crossing ability to the team which needed overlaps and disruptive attacking moves desperately.
Tammy Abraham struggled up front, but it was only really from a lack of service. More penetrating full back play would have pulled defenders away from the target man in the middle, and James would also have had the chance to deliver the crosses Abraham needs to score goals.
Lesson learned, we hope. We think Reece is now set for a long run in the team.
