Frank Lampard admitted that Timo Werner did not “give Chelsea enough” in the first half of their 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Boxing Day, and called on the failed striker to adjust more quickly to the demands of the Premier League.
The 24-year-old was hooked at halftime by the Blues boss on Saturday, having made another blank in front of goal, meaning he has now failed to find the net in his 10 last matches in all competitions.
This record only adds to the proof that the £ 47.5million summer signing has failed to get started since RB Leipzig left, with many supporters calling for his abandonment until he finds its marks.
And after the disappointing loss to Arsenal, Lampard admitted Werner “will be judged on” his scoring abilities and challenged the Germany international to “get there quickly”, when it comes to acclimating to the pace of the game. English match.
“Goals that don’t fit are something an attacking player will be judged on,” Lampard admitted.
“Timo didn’t give us enough with or without the ball. In part, we have to give it time. I keep saying the same thing because it’s a different league, but we have to get there quickly. ”
Chelsea were completely dominated by Arsenal on Saturday and look painfully disjointed going forward. Werner was sacrificed at halftime by Lampard as he looked to change the game, bringing Callum Hudson-Odoi in his place.
The change allowed Christian Pulisic to return to his favorite left-wing role, and the American offered a lot more threat in that position than Werner had in the opening 45 minutes. The Blues improved overall in the second half, scoring late and missing a penalty in added time, which would have made the final minutes nervous.
Lampard’s insistence on forcing the ex-Leipzig man into the camp at the expense of the form of last season’s star artist Pulisic worries some fans as the Blues have once again paid the price against the Gunners.
Chelsea now sit seventh in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
