Chelsea set up with no recognised striker in their starting line up tonight, and in fact there was only one true “attacking” player in the XI.
After a messy first half where we created nothing and conceded an own goal Frank Lampard changed it up at half time, but it was too late by then. Speaking after the game, Brentford boss Thomas Frank said he was surprised by the lineup he saw against him, and admitted he was ready for the half time switch.
Thomas Frank on Chelsea's starting line up: "We were pleased they showed us so much respect. I was surprised." #CFC #CHEBRE
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) April 26, 2023
Thomas Frank on expecting changes from #Chelsea at half-time:
"Yes. We were leading 1-0. They were, in my opinion, in a defensive shape so I expected more offensive players on the pitch."
[via @btsportfootball]
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) April 26, 2023
It was a line-up made up of defensive players, but we can see the idea Lampard had in mind. He was hoping to press the Brentford defenders into mistakes, as he did with Real Madrid last week.
Unfortunately, the Bees are very happy playing it long, and it was much less effective this time. By the time the half time changes were made, it was too late.
