Lampard saw ‘element of doubt’ in Chelsea

Frank Lampard said he saw signs of doubt in Chelsea’s players as they were beaten at Manchester United.

The Blues’ 2-0 loss at Old Trafford was their second defeat in four matches and meant they were unable to re-establish a seven-point lead over second-placed Tottenham at the top of the Premier League.

Chelsea legend Lampard, speaking on Sky Sports immediately after the game, said it was vital the team show character now Spurs have managed to cut their lead.

Lampard said: “They’ve got to put it (the defeat) out of their minds. There’s no way they can dwell on that now, because they’ve got an important run-in.

“It’s tough. Losing can bring an element of doubt and you could see that in their faces on the pitch. You could see them all looking a bit upset.

“It will be a big week now and it needs characters in the team to settle the ship – and I think they are there.”

Lampard also felt the absence of Thibaut Courtois and Marcos Alonso hit Chelsea hard.

Keeper Courtois was ruled out with an ankle injury and Alonso, who has been ill, was withdrawn from the side shortly before kick-off.

Lampard said: “Definitely the balance of the team (was affected).

“In the end the manager has had to make two changes; he had to move Cesar Azpilicueta over to left wing-back and he had to bring Kurt Zouma in.

“It turned out that from start to finish it was one of those days for Chelsea.”