This archive report was first published on 27 December 2019.
December 27, 2019, marked a disappointing day for Chelsea as they suffered a 2-0 loss to Southampton at Stamford Bridge, their second consecutive Premier League defeat at home in eight years.
Goals from Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond propelled Southampton to a surprising win, while Chelsea's struggles against a well-organized defense left manager Frank Lampard facing questions about his team's need for creative players in the January transfer window.
Chelsea's transfer ban, imposed by FIFA, was recently halved by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, clearing the way for the club to sign players in January.
When asked if Thursday's performance had influenced his thoughts on transfers, Lampard reflected on the game, saying, 'I learn about the players, and I learn about the players particularly in games like that.'
Chelsea's last two successive home losses occurred in November 2011 under Andre Villas-Boas, and Lampard emphasized the need for his front line to respond.
'Players have to go one v one if you're an offensive player, play round the corner, mix up your game and break defensive lines because teams aren't stupid,' Lampard added.
'They're well organised and you need to do more in an attacking sense,' he said. 'You cannot have 70% of possession and control, particularly the first half, and not do more, not hit better crosses, not hit better final passes, not get more clear chances at goal.'
Chelsea will look to bounce back against 11th-placed Arsenal on Sunday.
