Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is still confident his side can finish in the top four despite a shock 3-2 loss to West Ham in the Premier League. The result means Manchester United are now just two points behind the Blues with what looks like an easier run-in on paper.
Willian put Chelsea ahead from the penalty spot after Christian Pulisic was brought down in the 42nd minute.
But at half-time it was all square thanks to a Tomas Soucek header from a Hammers corner.
Michail Antonio gave David Moyes’ side the lead early in the second half before Willian equalised with a sublime free-kick with 20 minutes left to play.
But it was West Ham who took all three points thanks to Andriy Yarmolenko’s drilled left-footed effort which gave Kepa in the Chelsea goal no chance.
Despite that, Lampard has reminded his team they are still two points behind them and Chelsea are in the box-seat to finish in the top four.
“We had an opportunity today to go through but you have to do every part of the game to get results.
“If you switch off or make one or two errors then you will encourage teams. Players have to show an extra mentality to get through these games.
“I get to see this group closely and I’ve seen us play great games then have moments where there’s the opportunity to capitalise and that’s the difference at the moment. We have work to do.
“There’s without a doubt a good group of players in there but then when you analyse the consistency, you feel a game like this is coming. Again, that shows there’s work to do.
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“If we are opening up to try and score that winning goal then we have to be prepared to run back the other way and defend. And defend better.”
Chelsea sit two points ahead of United and will also play Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
Next up for the Blues though is a Premier League showdown with Watford at 8pm on Saturday.
The Blues could be behind United by the time of kick-off with the Red Devils taking on Bournemouth earlier in the day at 3pm.
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