Goals from Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond gave improving Southampton a surprise win while Chelsea’s struggles against a tight defense left Lampard facing questions on whether he needs to add creative players in the January transfer window. Chelsea have been cleared to sign players in January after the Court of Arbitration for Sport this month halved a transfer ban imposed on the club. “I learn about the players, and I learn about the players particularly in games like that,” Lampard told reporters when asked if Thursday’s performance had nudged him in a certain direction on transfers. Fourth-placed Chelsea — beaten by Bournemouth on their own patch earlier this month — last lost two successive games at home in November 2011 under Andre Villas-Boas. They were beaten by West Ham United at Stamford Bridge last month and Lampard said that his front line had to respond.

Source: National Post December 27, 2019 05:36 UTC