Frank Lampard did find a positive in Noni Madueke’s performance during Chelsea defeat’s tonight at Arsenal.
There’s been very little for Frank Lampard to smile about since he returned as Chelsea’s caretaker manager last month. In fact, the 3-1 loss against Arsenal on Tuesday evening means he’s lost six out of six as the interim boss.
A really challenging campaign for the Blues continued this week during their trip to Arsenal, who scored three first-half goals to rip through a fragile team. Martin Odegaard (two) and Gabriel Jesus punished the visitors with goals, which does help them in their push for the league title.
As for Chelsea, they stay on 39 points in the league standings. Noni Madueke’s second-half goal was the only thing for the travelling supporters to enjoy at the Emirates.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Lampard singled out Madueke as one Chelsea star to impress against Arsenal.
“If I’m going to talk about an individual, I’ll maybe talk about Noni. He scores the goal. I thought he came in and played like he’s been training. He’ll get more opportunities,” Lampard told Sky Sports’ Main Event channel (10:45pm, 2 May).
Madueke, who’s just 21, did manage to catch the eye on another dull night for Chelsea.
The right-winger certainly made the most of his first start under Lampard!
He got his first Blues goal after he timed his run to perfection in behind the Gunners defence. Afterwards, he had a slice of fortune with his finish to lift the ball over Aaron Ramsdale.
Overall, it was the sort of positive and spirited performance that has been missing from the Chelsea XI for most of the season. He definitely deserved the manager’s kind words after the result, too.
It’s a no-brainer that Madueke starts the games from now until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old is showing some exquisite glimpses during his time on the pitch, with tonight’s display proving he’s not afraid to roll his sleeves up in the very difficult times.
Journalist Simon Phillips explained to GiveMeSport in mid-April that Madueke was a player impressing Lampard in training.
Finally, the English youngster has been given his chance in a game scenario and thrown down a marker.
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