Frank Lampard lauded Moises Caicedo’s “fantastic” performance in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal, although Cole Palmer failed to make a notable impact on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
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The London derby saw Gabriel Martinelli give Arsenal the lead on the hour mark, but Chelsea responded ten minutes later with a stunning goal from Pedro Neto to level the score.
Caicedo’s midfield partnership with Romeo Lavia has become a backbone of Chelsea’s recent success under Enzo Maresca. Reflecting on his former club’s performance, Lampard praised Caicedo’s growth, highlighting the Ecuadorian’s contribution as crucial to Chelsea’s form. Lampard also predicted that Neto, playing on the right against Arsenal, could see even greater success in this position moving forward, after spending much of the season playing on the left.
Lampard, however, expressed some disappointment in Palmer’s performance. The club’s top scorer this season, Palmer appeared restricted to the left side of the pitch, limiting his playmaking abilities against a solid Arsenal defense.
“He’s [Pedro] clearly more effective coming off the right-hand side,” Lampard explained to Premier League Productions, indicating Chelsea might continue to explore adjustments for the team’s positioning. On Palmer, Lampard said, “Cole was quieter than usual. He was more on the left side, which I felt limited his game instead of allowing him to drift centrally or come in from the right.”
Lampard suggested that Chelsea’s tactical tweaks could better utilize players like Palmer, as the squad develops under Maresca’s guidance.
Chelsea’s point keeps them in third place, tied on points with Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton but holding the advantage on goal difference.