SM
Newcastle vs. West Ham: 3 hrs 57 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
A
Champions League | Group Stage
Oct 23, 2019 at 5.55pm UK
 
CL

0-1

 
FT(HT: 0-0)
Batshuayi (86')

Frank Lampard hails his Chelsea "babies" after Ajax win

:Headline: Frank Lampard hails his Chelsea 'babies' after Ajax win: ID:375993: from db_amp
Chelsea secured their sixth successive win in all competitions in Amsterdam.

Frank Lampard felt his Chelsea “babies” came of age in the Champions League after their stunning 1-0 win at Ajax.

Michy Batshuayi climbed off the bench to fire the Blues to a memorable victory in Amsterdam.

The Belgian striker made amends for a shocking earlier miss four minutes from time to hand last season’s semi-finalists their first defeat of this campaign.

The Blues rode their luck at times, not least when an Ajax goal was ruled out by VAR for the tightest of offside calls, and when the hosts hit the frame of the goal.

But Lampard’s young side grew in stature as a frantic, tetchy encounter wore on and ran out deserved winners when Batshuayi rifled in off the underside of the crossbar.

“I’m delighted with every element of the performance,” said the Blues boss.

Lampard was a happy man come full-time in Amsterdam (Peter Dejong/AP)

“It feels huge – it’s just six points in the group and we play Burnley on Saturday. But I think we’re allowed to be excited tonight.

“That’s the blueprint. There are no excuses for us now. That’s the standard and we can’t drop it.

“The young players are still babies in terms of Champions League minutes so this was a huge test for them.

“That's the blueprint. There are no excuses for us now. That's the standard and we can't drop it.”
- Frank Lampard

“There was a good balance of young players and experience. We need to realise the things that made that happened tonight because Ajax are a top, top team.”

Lampard was indebted to his substitutes after the lively Christian Pulisic set up the goal for Batshuayi.

“The subs were second to none,” he added. “Sometimes the hardest thing is leaving someone out. But it’s great for the spirit of the squad when subs come on and have an impact like that.

“I was frustrated when Michy missed, and whatever had happened after that I would have been proud, but I know Michy can finish.

“Christian’s assist is as important as the finish, and the fact the sub scored makes me so happy.”

The memory of a visit from a London club remains raw for Ajax following Tottenham’s last-gasp semi-final comeback in May, and this was another painful experience for their youthful outfit.

Edson Alvarez reacts after failing to score against Chelsea (Peter Dejong/AP)

It could have been different had VAR not spotted that Quincy Promes, or at least a microscopic part of him, was offside before he slid the ball home in the first half, while Edson Alvarez grazed a post in the second period.

Captain Dusan Tadic said: “I think it was 50-50. Chelsea are a good club, but we can do better.

“We were sloppy and made easy mistakes. Now we have to focus again on the next game.”

amp_article__375993 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-10-23 20:40:04:
html db last update - 2019-10-23 20:40:04 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Frank Lampard

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .