Blues boss Frank Lampard has criticized Chelsea for failing to see off Brighton and Hove Albion before half-time on New Year’s Day, as Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s sensational late strike earned both teams a point in a 1-1 draw.
The visitors took the lead early through Spanish full-back Cesar Azpilicueta and were then comfortable for the most part of the game until they came under increasing pressure in the final 10 minutes of the second half.
Chelsea and Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was forced into quite a few impressive saves either side of a stunning overhead-kick from Brighton substitute Jahanbakhsh.
The West London giants could have also clinched the three points in the closing minutes, but Lampard did not believe they should have been in a position where the game was still in the balance due to the inability to finish off chances in the first half of the match.
While speaking to reporters after the game, the 41-year-old Lampard explained that the game was frustrating because Chelsea wasn’t ruthless enough in the first period, “It was frustrating for different reasons, In the first half, the game was there to be won. We weren’t ruthless enough. We got the goal and we had the possession. But we just didn’t kill the game off. We allowed them to stay in the game.”
However, he also added praise for the Brighton goal and concluded by stating Chelsea were lucky to earn an even a point after a flurry of chances for the hosts, “In the end, it was a wonder goal. But we were lucky not to lose the game. In the end, the tactics matched up for both teams. But they were better than us. We have to take that on the chin.”
