Chelsea fans make feelings clear on Frank Lampard as disastrous reign ends

Not much of a send off for Frank Lampard – but the Stamford Bridge faithful still love him. A huge banner of the Chelsea legend and interim manager was unveiled before the game and the crowd chanted Lampard’s name throughout, despite another frustrating day. His brief reign ended with one win in 11 games.

Newcastle could and should have won this game in the first half, but their campaign was done and dusted. Chelsea meanwhile finish 12th in the table – their worst Premier League season since 1994. And miserably, for the first time since 1924 they failed to pass the 40 goal mark in a season.

Chelsea’s new manager Mauricio Pochettino signed his deal, for up to three years, before the game. He has work to do. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, his side already having safely secured Premier League football after a superb campaign, made several changes.

Traditionally Stamford Bridge had not been a happy hunting ground for The Magpies, who had not won there since 2012 – when Lampard was a substitute for Chelsea. But, typically of Chelsea’s abysmal campaign, they found themselves behind after only nine minutes.

Elliott Anderson’s cross from the left found Anthony Gordon in yards of space to sidefoot the ball past a helpless Kepa Arrizabalaga, as Newcastle sprinted out of the blocks. Alexander Isak then fired an inch wide as Chelsea struggled to get going – and Miguel Almiron could and should have had a hat-trick by the time the half-time whistle went.

Chelsea though were creating chances, as Thiago Silva’s header was pushed round the post by Martin Dubravka – and they were level just before the half hour, when Enzo Martinez’s quick free-kick caught Newcastle out and Raheem Sterling’s shot flew in off Keiran Trippier.

But Newcastle were dangerous on the break, and Almiron shot wide from Gordon’s pass. The little Paraguayan though had the chance of the match minutes later as Matt Targett’s cross found him unmarked at the far post – but he blazed over. Then the lively Alain Saint-Maximin put Almiron clean through – but his shot was too close to Arrizabalaga, who saved.

Chelsea though could have been ahead just before the break, when Sterling’s volley from Lewis Hall’s cross was parried by Dubravka – and then his follow-up effort was cleared off the line by Targett. Lampard’s team improved, and Noni Madueke fired just over before Lewis Hall wasted a good chance.

Then Hall’s cross found Sterling, but his flick flew over the bar. Sterling then somehow missed from 12 yards – and Newcastle almost won it as youngster Lewis Miley clipped the bar. Twice though, substitute Joao Felix could have sealed it for Chelsea, but each time missed. It summed up their season.