SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 18 hrs
Upcoming predictions and previews
CL
Premier League | Gameweek 9
Oct 19, 2019 at 3pm UK
 
NL

1-0

Alonso (73')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard: "We are moving in the right direction"

:Headline: Chelsea boss Frank Lampard: 'We are moving in the right direction': ID:375534: from db_amp
Marcos Alonso's strike was enough for the Blues to beat Newcastle and move into the top four.

Chelsea climbed into the top four after beating Newcastle and Frank Lampard challenged them to stay there.

Marcos Alonso's goal 17 minutes from the end secured a 1-0 victory and moved the Blues into the Champions League spots for the first time this season.

"It sounds good," said Lampard. "We know we want to be challenging in the top four and from a slightly difficult start it's a good sign that we are moving in the right direction.

"But our arrival in the top four must give us the hunger to stay there."

Chelsea had struggled to break down a stubborn Newcastle side until the introduction of Christian Pulisic as a substitute.

The £58million United States winger missed a sitter when he fired straight at Martin Dubravka from six yards, but a few minutes later he played a central role in the goal.

Pulisic burst forward into the penalty area and pulled the ball back for Callum Hudson-Odoi, who touched it on for Alonso to drill home.

Marcos Alonso celebrates his winner with Christian Pulisic (Steven Paston/PA)

"I'm really pleased for him," added Lampard. "He's a bit of a hot topic because of his price tag and international status, but he's just turned 21. There's a lot more to come.

"In the first half we were a bit safe, and a bit slow, we didn't have enough urgency. That was the message at half-time, and in the second half we should have had more goals and made the win more comfortable.

"I thought particularly in the second half we saw the spirit and energy in the team. We have to go back to basics. Today was tough, we had a problem in the game, but we solved it in the second half.

"The players need to be brave and confident and it's a great sign in the squad when players come on and make a difference."

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce felt there was a foul in the build-up to the goal.

"I know it's a difficult job but I thought there was blatant foul on Joelinton, in front of us, and we never retained the ball after that," he said.

"When you come here you need those sorts of decisions to go your way and not against you

Steve Bruce felt there was a foul in the build-up to Chelsea's winner (Steven Paston/PA)

"Up until then we gave as good as we got, but the most important thing for us to work on is at the top end of the pitch.

"We've had a really tough start but now we have a run of games against teams in and around us, so it's a vitally important time."

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley limped off before half-time after turning his ankle and he will be assessed on Sunday.

amp_article__375534 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-10-19 17:08:56:
html db last update - 2021-02-19 17:59:29 :

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
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
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.



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