Chelsea beat Ajax 1-0 in the Champions League this week thanks to a goal from Michy Batshuayi and this was a pretty impressive win given the Blues were playing with a relatively inexperienced side that too away from home.
And while the starting XI did manage to take control of the match but in the end, it was the players coming off the bench who swung the game in Chelsea’s favour.
Christian Pulisic and Michy Batshuayi started the high-profile clash on the bench only to be brought in during the second half. And it was these two players who stepped up the pressure on Ajax causing their defence all sorts of problems.
And speaking after the match, Frank Lampard was all praise for the duo suggesting that they could be rewarded with more game time in the near future.
“The subs were second to none,” the Chelsea boss said[as reported].
“Sometimes the hardest thing is leaving someone out. But it’s great for the spirit of the squad when subs come on and have an impact like that.
“I was frustrated when Michy missed, and whatever had happened after that I would have been proud, but I know Michy can finish.
“Christian’s assist is as important as the finish, and the fact the sub scored makes me so happy.
“I’m delighted with every element of the performance. It feels huge – it’s just six points in the group and we play Burnley on Saturday. But I think we’re allowed to be excited tonight.
“That’s the blueprint. There are no excuses for us now. That’s the standard and we can’t drop it.
“The young players are still babies in terms of Champions League minutes so this was a huge test for them.
“There was a good balance of young players and experience. We need to realise the things that made that happened tonight because Ajax are a top, top team.”
Both Michy Batshuayi and Pulisic have been warming the benches this season for Chelsea but they have always performed well when called upon by the manager.
And the performance against Ajax was proof that Lampard cannot ignore Pulisic and Michy Batshuayi any longer and there is a big possibility that the pair could start against Burnley this weekend in the Premier League.
