Lampard: Chelsea can challenge the top sides

Frank Lampard has insisted Chelsea can mount a challenge against the Premier League’s top sides if they continue their positive start to the campaign.

The Blues, who comfortably dispatched Southampton 4-1 at St Mary’s, are fifth – now just two points behind second-placed Manchester City.

Academy graduates Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount combined for the game’s first two goals, N’Golo Kante found the target, before Michy Batshuayi grabbed the fourth.

Although Chelsea boss Lampard felt there were areas to work on, particularly in defence, he remains pleased with their start.

“I feel we are a few points short of where we should have been on performance,” he said.

“That is not something bad, that is just self-critical. There are games we should have gained more points from and that is on us but I am pretty happy.

“I am pretty happy that we are in and around the group [league’s top four]. Obviously, Liverpool are out on their own at the minute but at this early stage we are in a nice position and it should give us determination to go away and come back in the same vein.

“The minute you relax in this league it can all change very quickly. While we are on a nice field, the reason we are playing well is because of how hard we work and how together we are.

“If we can keep going with that then, yes, we will be challenging right up there I hope.”

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