INTERIM MANAGER Frank Lampard hit out at how far the standards at Chelsea had slipped and lamented the squad’s physicality following the draw with Newcastle, reports the Voice of Sport from Stamford Bridge.

It was a rare day for the Newcastle fans – who knew that no matter the outcome, they would be playing Champions League football next season and their 3,300 supporters certainly came to party.

Anthony Gordon, who was subject to bids from Chelsea over the summer from when he was Frank Lampard’s player at Everton, opened the scoring after some terrific work form Allan Saint Maximin who was determined to spoil Cesar Azpilicueta’s potential farewell, up against the faster, stronger opponent would be a  fitting way to finish for the Blues’ captain. 

Chelsea, like on so many occasions this season, were all at sea at the back. 

Chelsea’s player of the season Thiago Silva nearly got one back from a Lewis Hall corner, Matt Targett doing enough to thwart the Brazilian’s headed effort and attempt to bundle it in from the rebound.

Chelsea got their breakthrough following a smart set piece between Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez, a simple cut inside for Sterling set up the angle for the shot, which Kieran Trippier bundled in for an own goal. 

Miguel Almiron had two great chances to put Newcastle back in front as Chelsea fought to  make it to half time level – Chelsea nearly upset the run of play when Martin Dubravka made a stunning double save from Sterling in injury time of the first half.

Noni Madueke showed great potential in patches again, if incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino can get him well coached on his final ball – he could be a real star in this team next season. His best moment came when he stole the ball from Dan Burn, who went down easily looking for a foul, and laid in Carney Chukwuemeka who teed up Sterling for a chance he should have scored.

Ruben Loftus Cheek left on the hour mark to a rousing reception – as it’s widely believed he will depart the club in the summer – ending a near 20 year affiliation with the club, having joined the academy in 2004.
Rather than on the beach, Newcastle were rather on the continent in the second half – as their concentration waned – they made a few errors at the back, that Chelsea couldn’t capitalise on, as the game played out for a 1-1 draw. 

Mason Mount appeared in the lap of appreciation and looked a little choked up as Ben Chilwell comforted him as he departed down the tunnel – the body language suggesting that Mount has played his last game for Chelsea. – something inconceivable at the start of the season.

In the post-match press conference, Lampard said he could now be honest and that the standards in the dressing room were simply not there, he also questioned the physical condition of his players and if they were fit enough to compete, with the announcement of Pochettino imminent, it remains to be seen how many of that dressing room are in it next season.