Truly victims of their own downfall Chelsea’s negligent retention of possession in the moments proceeding Cesar Azpilicueta’s animated celebrations smacked of a naivety far beyond the typical explanation of youthful exuberance.
It was quite plainly a farcical and unjustifiable display of arrogance that had permeated much of Chelsea’s performance. As a result, Frank Lampard will now be desperately looking to bounce back from disappointment against Arsenal with a resounding statement of intent against an ailing Hull City side who have won just two of their last five games.
Perhaps the most frustrating conclusion made by fans and pundits alike was the all too familiar feeling that a result of this nature had stimulated. Gone is the disappointment of a side who were making significant strides forward being stopped in their tracks by markedly weaker opposition. Instead, it has been replaced by a far more alarming acceptance and familiarity with a style of play lacking purpose and direction married together by the agonising afterthought that a moment of unprovoked self-destruction is only too close to fruition.
For fitness more than anything, Lampard will surely ring the changes as his side travel East for a favourable but potentially treacherous FA Cup tie. The anticipated return of Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori to the backline will be a welcome one, Whilst the alarming form of Kepa and N’Golo Kante will surely see the likes of Ross Barkley and Willy Caballero drafted in.
