After losing three times against Manchester United this season, including a 4-0 drubbing in his first league game in charge of the club, Frank Lampard and Chelsea arguably went into Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final as underdogs.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s counter-attacking tactics had worked miracles in each previous meeting between the teams, leaving Chelsea fans wondering if their manager was capable of finding a way to overcome the defensive solidity and blistering pace of the Norwegian’s youthful, in-form side.
Simply put, he was.
Frank Lampard Gets it Right Against Manchester United
Defensive Solidity
Chelsea have conceded a remarkable number of goals this season – including a staggering 49 in the Premier League – with United putting eight past them in the three meetings before this weekend’s game.
On far too many occasions were the Blues’ back four left exposed by the counter-attacking speed of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Daniel James, with the trio contributing all but one of United’s goals against the London side in 2019/20.
Yet, by selecting Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rüdiger in a back three, Chelsea were better equipped to deal with the threat of these rapid players.
Whenever United looked to counter, the duo – supported by the solid Cesar Azpilicueta – were quick to shut down the opposition, best demonstrated when Rüdiger outran and outmuscled Martial as he looked to charge at Willy Caballero after a Chelsea corner.
Defending From the Front
Lampard’s decision to play three at the back also helped Chelsea to defend further up the pitch, putting pressure on a shaky-looking United backline.
Safe in the knowledge that their wing-backs were providing cover out wide, Chelsea wingers Mason Mount and Willian hustled the Red Devils’ defenders throughout the entirety of the game, managing three tackles and three dispossessions as the Blues pressed high up the pitch.
This committed display made it difficult for United to find their rhythm, Solskjaer’s side struggling to get out from the back and run at Chelsea – despite having most of the possession across the 90 minutes.
Getting the Wing-Backs Forward
Marcos Alonso is a completely different player at wing-back, something he once again proved on Sunday. By relieving the Spaniard of his defensive duties and encouraging him to focus more on going forward, Lampard allowed Alonso to become an integral part of Chelsea’s attacking play – the player managing two shots and forcing Harry Maguire‘s own goal as he terrorised the Red Devils’ defence.
Reece James also deserves credit for another mature display. The 20-year-old bombed up and down the wing all game as he supported Willian in the final third. The Englishman looked assured on the ball, completing three dribbles and boasting an impressive 96% pass success rate as he put left-back Brandon Williams under pressure from start to finish.
By pinning back the usually attack-minded Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chelsea forced United to lose their width, making it difficult for them to get players forward and threaten Caballero’s box.
A Big Few Games
After an impressive tactical display from Frank Lampard, the Blues now find themselves one win from Champions League qualification and on the brink of an FA Cup trophy.
Considering the Chelsea legend came into a club that had lost its best player and was unable to buy reinforcements, he has done a remarkable job so far.
If he can rally his team just a couple more times, the Blues could soon be celebrating one hell of a season.
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