CHELSEA fans unfurled two gigantic banners ahead of the clash against high-flying Brighton.
At both ends of Stamford Bridge were large displays in honour of returning legend Frank Lampard.
GettyChelsea fans unfurled two huge banners in honour of returning manager Frank Lampard[/caption]
GettyOne banner read ‘Welcome Home Super Frank’ and the other ‘Frank Lampard’s Blue & White Army’[/caption]
At the Shed End, the banner read ‘Welcome Home Super Frank’, while one at the opposite end of the ground – the Matthew Harding Stand – was an even bigger sign that read ‘Frank Lampard’s Blue & White Army.’
Although the game against Brighton marked Lampard’s third in charge in his second spell as Chelsea boss, it was the first time being in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
His last game in the home dressing room was a 3-1 FA Cup win over Luton Town in January 2021, although he has lost to Aston Villa and Real Madrid in a week since returning.
In a lightning-paced start to the game on Saturday afternoon, Brighton went close and then hit the bar before Conor Gallagher scored off a huge deflection to end the Blues’ dry spell.
ReutersLampard was back in the Stamford Bridge dugout for the first time since January 2021[/caption]
The goal, his first since October 1, came against the run of play after excellent work from Mykhailo Mudryk – who enjoyed a bright start to the game and drove at the defence, before finding Gallagher with a cute pass.
The goal did not deter the visitors, however, who were much the better team in the first half.
After huffing and puffing, and drawing a couple of magnificent saves from Chelsea skipper Kepa, Brighton finally got a deserved goal.
Chelsea failed to clear, again, and Pascal Gross hung up a cross to the back post from the right.
Danny Welbeck, on as a sub for the injured Evan Ferguson, got in between Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah to equalise and make it 1-1 just before the break.
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