Roy Keane has declared that “the honeymoon period is over” for Frank Lampard at Chelsea following their defeat at home to Manchester United.
Lampard’s young side have impressed at times this season but the loss to United was their fifth home defeat of the season and left them clinging onto fourth place.
And pundit Keane pulled no punches in his assessment of Chelsea’s problems.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I don’t think United were at their very, very best. But they didn’t have to be.
“Frank spoke about Chelsea before the game – about their personality. I think if he was worried before the game he’ll certainly be worried after the game because they looked really short. I think Frank’s honeymoon period is certainly over.
“He keeps talking about scoring goals, but you need to stop conceding as well – some daft goals.
“It’s tough going for Chelsea at the moment. They’ve lost that momentum they had earlier in the season and when you lose that momentum it’s hard to get it back.
“This is where you’re tested as a manager. Frank, plenty of plaudits earlier in the season, now all of a sudden: huge question marks.”
Chelsea have struggled in front of goal all season and badly missed the injured Tammy Abraham against United.
Keane said: “When you look at the attacking players on the pitch for Chelsea – so poor. The lack of quality was scary.”