Frank Lampard defended his late double change after seeing his side waste a 2-0 lead in the 2-2 home draw with newly promoted Sheffield United.
The Blues boss took off two-goal striker Tammy Abraham and influential midfielder Mateo Kovacic with seven minutes remaining and the score at 2-1.
But he insisted he was right to bring on 18-year-old debutant Billy Gilmour and Michy Batshuyai
“It wasn’t bold because it’s one for one in both positions,” said a defiant Lampard.
“Kovacic was on his haunches and was blatantly tired. Billy Gilmour is the midfield player we’ve got on the bench.
“Michy came on to try and bring some energy for Tammy who had clearly been our best player in the game, so other people can make what they want of that but I wouldn’t be clever at 2-1. I wanted to see the game out.”
It was the second time home game in a row that Chelsea have squandered a lead, having been 1-0 ahead against Leicester.
The Blues also twice led in their 3-2 win over Norwich and have conceded a total of nine goals in four Premier League games this season, managing just one victory in the process.
Click here to subscribe to West London Sport’s YouTube channel
This post was last modified on 02/09/2019