Chelsea verdict: Frank Lampard's tactical switch pays off as Blues dominate Man Utd to reach FA Cup final

IF you watched Chelsea’s last two matches, you’d be forgiven for doubting the quality of the players and the coaching staff.

But in reality, we know that Blues boss Frank Lampard has already conjured up some great victories this season which includes a victory over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

The Chelsea legend has actually come up with some brilliant performances this season, but at the same time he has failed miserably at times – like the 3-0 thrashing from Sheffield United just last week.

The inconsistency has been concerning, and so has some of the performances.

But Lampard is a manager who is in his early stages of management, and in terms of the Premier League, this is his first season managing a team.

And it isn’t any old team; it is Chelsea, the team he loves, played for and become a legend for.

CHELSEA NEWS LIVE: Follow for the latest Blues news

So things are always going to be complex in this situation, but Lampard has shown on numerous occasions that he is more than ready to mix it with the big boys.

Sunday evening’s FA Cup Semi Final victory over Manchester United shows once again just how tactically sound Lampard can be when most needed.

Lampard decided to move away from his regular 4-3-3 formation and he tried the 3-4-3, having three centre backs.

This gave Chelsea a lot more stability and organisation on the whole – two things that this team has been lacking for the last few games.

But tonight they looked a lot more solid at the back and defended in numbers.

It also gave the midfield two a lot more freedom and the ability to defend as a two rather than a lone holding midfielder.

The three centre backs were key though, it meant that instead of having just two defenders to cover as the last man, Chelsea had three to cover any mistakes or anxious moments that the defenders shown.

It was a tactical master class from Lamaprd and it proved its worth as the Blues went 2-0 up early in the second half through a great Mason Mount finish after Olivier Giroud scored the opener in the first half.

They went on to win the game 3-1 in a very impressive performance.

In this formation, Chelsea were able to absolutely dominate Manchester United and make them look very average. 

This result and dominance must be credited to how Lampard set the team up with more solidarity and organisation. 

Lampard went with his experienced men tonight, and they certainly delivered the goods.

Source: Read Full Article