Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says he “learnt a lot” from his side’s humbling 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United. David McGoldrick scored in each half and either side of Oli McBurnie’s thumping header to keep the Blades’ dreams of a place in Europe just about alive. For the Blues, though, it means they have allowed Manchester United to within two points of them in the Premier League table and they are now 12 points behind second-placed Manchester City.
Chelsea Boss Frank Lampard ‘Learnt a Lot’ From Sheffield United Defeat
Played off the Park
In what was an important match for both sides, only one truly showed up, and that was Chris Wilder’s Blades, who continue to punch well above their weight in the Premier League.
This was far from a lucky win for the home side, though. They ruthlessly capitalised on Chelsea’s defensive mishaps throughout the game. They led 2-0 at the break, McGoldrick firing home his first Premier League goal after Kepa Arrizabalaga kept out McBurnie’s deflected effort, and the Scotland striker then planting a header home from Enda Stevens‘ cross.
They never looked like surrendering that lead as Chelsea continued to look slack after the interval. A moment to forget from Antonio Rudiger allowed McGoldrick to blast home his second, and the Blades should have had a fourth were it not for Lys Mousset‘s deft chip falling just the wrong side of the post.
Lampard’s Disappointment
The disappointment was etched across the face of Frank Lampard during his post-match interview. His suggestion was that Sheffield United were stronger than Chelsea throughout and that was what proved to be the difference.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “They were stronger than us. I think you could feel that. We don’t have a crowd here at the minute so you hear every voice, and all I could hear was Sheffield United voices.
“They’re good players, they’re a good team. We all know that this season. If you come here and perform below par collectively, as we did, it’s going to happen.
“I’ve got to be careful to over-analyze this one. It’s what you do, you analyze all season, review, look forward. What we have to do now with that game is put that to bed, because the only thing that matters now is that we fight for top four.
“We’re still in that race because of how we’ve been this season. We have to put this game away very quickly but I learnt a lot. I learnt a lot and I won’t forget that.”
Wilder’s Delight for McGoldrick
David McGoldrick’s intensive work rate has rightly been lauded this season. However, as a striker, it’s goals you are judged on and they haven’t been coming for the Republic of Ireland man.
After his two strikes this afternoon, though, his first ever in the Premier League, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder was delighted for the forward.
He the club’s official media after the game: “He should be very proud of what he’d done and we should be absolutely delighted that we have him at our football club.
“He’s a great character. He didn’t come in on trial, he pedals that one. We knew about him, we knew what he could do, we knew from Mick McCarthy what he was all about, we’d done our homework on him.
“He gets himself into good positions and that’s brilliant for him. As I’ve said before, he’s one of the most popular players.”
Main Photo
