Frank Lampard did praise Conor Gallagher for his individual efforts in Chelsea’s defeat today against Brighton.
Chelsea fans were put through more disappointment at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, losing 2-1 at home to Brighton in the Premier League fixture.
Conor Gallagher, who was recalled to the starting line-up, scored his second goal of the season with a deflected effort.
However, Brighton came from behind to earn all three points. Danny Welbeck and Julio Enciso were both on the scoresheet to give the visitors a well-deserved win.
It was the kind of performance from Lampard’s side that is extremely concerning going into Tuesday, where they’ve got to try overturn a two-goal aggregate deficit against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Jason Cundy branded the Chelsea team performance against Brighton as “embarrassing”.
Lampard, who’s lost all three games as caretaker boss, did give credit to two Chelsea players in his post-match interview.
As well as the Blues goalkeeper, Gallagher was singled out as an outfield player that played well.
“Kepa [Arrizabalaga] was fantastic. Conor Gallagher was another who gave every drop individually. But collectively, as a group, we have to accept it. We have to accept what needs to be done to play for this club and try to win games,” Lampard told BBC MOTD.
Gallagher did run his socks off for 90 minutes this afternoon, something he does do every game he steps on the pitch.
The 23-year-old midfielder may have felt he was chasing shadows for large sections of the game when Brighton were in full control of possession, though. He does at least look lively during some really dull displays from the side.
It’ll be interesting to see if he’s forced his way into the starting XI for Tuesday night.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
