Lampard: We needed that goal from Reece James
Frank Lampard was relieved that Reece James popped up and scored a screamer to restore the Blues lead after they were pegged back to 1-1 after Jorginho’s penalty.
The Chelsea boss said of the young right-back: “We needed that goal from James,” he said.
“Reece has got that in him.”
As for the game generally, Lampard was satisfied rather than euphoric.
“We were okay, I liked the work ethic of the team. To expect everything to click straight away is expecting too much.
“We had determination and resilience - we could have dropped points last season.
“I want us to be adaptable - look a bit fluid. I want that movement in the side up front.
Timo Werner and Kai Havertz made their Chelsea bows and Lampard was happy with both.
“There is a lot on Kai’s shoulders, but he showed a few glimpses including that long chase back - I saw a lot of his quality.
‘I loved the way Timo pops up in certain areas. He is ruthless in those areas.”
In terms of what the Blues can achieve this season, Lampard was slightly reticent.
He said: “We want to close the gap on Liverpool. It will be a big ask to win the Premier League. “It’s step by step for us. I hope we make big strides.”