Chelsea's Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring his side's second goal in their 2-0 win against Newcastle United at St James' Park. PA
Chelsea's Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring his side's second goal in their 2-0 win against Newcastle United at St James' Park. PA
Chelsea's Tammy Abraham scores their second goal on Saturday. Reuters
Chelsea's Tammy Abraham scores their second goal on Saturday. Reuters
Newcastle United's Joelinton fights for the ball with Chelsea's N'Golo Kante at St James' Park. Reuters
Newcastle United's Joelinton fights for the ball with Chelsea's N'Golo Kante at St James' Park. Reuters
Federico Fernandez, centre left, of Newcastle scores an own goal against Chelsea on Saturday. EPA
Federico Fernandez, centre left, of Newcastle scores an own goal against Chelsea on Saturday. EPA
Chelsea's Reece James with Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin. Reuters
Chelsea's Reece James with Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin. Reuters
Jacob Murphy of Newcastle against Chelsea on Saturday. EPA
Jacob Murphy of Newcastle against Chelsea on Saturday. EPA
Timo Werner of Chelsea at St James' Park on Saturday. EPA
Timo Werner of Chelsea at St James' Park on Saturday. EPA
Antonio Rudiger, centre, of Chelsea at St James' park on Saturday. EPA
Antonio Rudiger, centre, of Chelsea at St James' park on Saturday. EPA
Joelinton, right, of Newcastle vies for the ball with Kurt Zouma of Chelsea. EPA
Joelinton, right, of Newcastle vies for the ball with Kurt Zouma of Chelsea. EPA
Chelsea's manager Frank Lampard and Newcastle boss Steve Bruce at St James' Park . AFP
Chelsea's manager Frank Lampard and Newcastle boss Steve Bruce at St James' Park . AFP
Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea is challenged by Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United at St. James Park on Saturday. Getty
Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea is challenged by Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United at St. James Park on Saturday. Getty
Jamal Lewis of Newcastle United is challenged by Edouard Mendy of Chelsea. Getty
Jamal Lewis of Newcastle United is challenged by Edouard Mendy of Chelsea. Getty

Football

Frank Lampard happy but not getting 'carried away' by Chelsea's promising form

Blues have won past five games and could qualify for the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday

The National

November 23, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Frank Lampard has said he is happy with the improvements shown by Chelsea so far this season but insists he is not getting "carried away" by his team's promising start.

Chelsea embarked on an expensive recruitment drive in the summer, spending nearly £250 million ($334m) on new players, including exciting talents such as Kai Havertz and Timo Werner from the Bundesliga, Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech from Ajax, and England left-back Ben Chilwell.

Expectations have therefore been high that Chelsea can challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for major honours this season, and after a shaky start to the season, the Blues have started to hit their stride, winning five games in a row.

Most crucially, the team has become far less porous and have kept six clean sheets in their past seven games, thanks in part to the arrivals of Brazilian defender Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Rennes.

Chelsea went top of the league briefly on Saturday with a 2-0 victory at Newcastle United before dropping back to third after Tottenham Hotspur's win over Manchester City and Liverpool's win over Leicester City.

"After eight or nine games, it would be easy to get excited about being in a lofty position but I'm not going to smile too much," Lampard told Chelsea's website.

"We're in a decent position but doing that consistently over a big period is the next step for us now.

"The first port of call this year was to close the gap on Man City and Liverpool, who have set different levels of consistency through a season."

"We are improving but we cannot get carried away. We have to try to reach those levels but I'm happy with where we're at right now."

Chelsea face Rennes in the Champions League on Tuesday with German playmaker Havertz set to return after completing his period of isolation following a positive Covid-19 test earlier this month.

"Kai is a naturally fit boy so I hope to have him travelling with us to Rennes and maybe he'll get some minutes," Lampard said.

Chelsea top Group E on seven points, level with Sevilla, and will qualify for the knockout stages with two games to spare if they win and Sevilla avoid defeat to Krasnodar.

___________________

Newcastle v Chelsea player ratings

NEWCASTLE PLAYER RATINGS: Karl Darlow – 7. Darlow has been one of Newcastle’s best performers so far this season and was key to keeping the scoreline respectable. Produced a fine early save on Werner before another cracker to deny Abraham and was quick off his line to claim crosses. AFP
NEWCASTLE PLAYER RATINGS: Karl Darlow – 7. Darlow has been one of Newcastle’s best performers so far this season and was key to keeping the scoreline respectable. Produced a fine early save on Werner before another cracker to deny Abraham and was quick off his line to claim crosses. AFP
Javier Manquillo – 6. Found himself playing as a defensive right-back instead of a wing-back as Chelsea’s waves of attack kept him pinned in his own half for much of the match. AFP
Javier Manquillo – 6. Found himself playing as a defensive right-back instead of a wing-back as Chelsea’s waves of attack kept him pinned in his own half for much of the match. AFP
Federico Fernández – 5. Got his feet all wrong to bundle the ball in for the opening goal and found it tough going against Werner. AFP
Federico Fernández – 5. Got his feet all wrong to bundle the ball in for the opening goal and found it tough going against Werner. AFP
Jamaal Lascelles – 6. Stood up well to Chelsea pressure and produced a lunging interception to break up a dangerous attack. That contribution led to an injury, though, and he was replaced at half-time. AFP
Jamaal Lascelles – 6. Stood up well to Chelsea pressure and produced a lunging interception to break up a dangerous attack. That contribution led to an injury, though, and he was replaced at half-time. AFP
Ciaran Clark – 6. Played his role in repelling Chelsea’s attacks when Newcastle sat deep. Decent game for the Irishman. EPA
Ciaran Clark – 6. Played his role in repelling Chelsea’s attacks when Newcastle sat deep. Decent game for the Irishman. EPA
Jamal Lewis – 6. Like Manquillo, was forced to defend for most of the 90 minutes but was able to get forward for Newcastle’s occasional attack. Getty Images
Jamal Lewis – 6. Like Manquillo, was forced to defend for most of the 90 minutes but was able to get forward for Newcastle’s occasional attack. Getty Images
Jacob Murphy – 5. A tough day for the winger who struggled to make much of an impact during a match that saw his side limited to less than 30 per cent possession. EPA
Jacob Murphy – 5. A tough day for the winger who struggled to make much of an impact during a match that saw his side limited to less than 30 per cent possession. EPA
Isaac Hayden – 6. Booked for a rash challenge on Kovacic and blazed an effort over the bar, although he was deemed offside. Reuters
Isaac Hayden – 6. Booked for a rash challenge on Kovacic and blazed an effort over the bar, although he was deemed offside. Reuters
Sean Longstaff – 6. Came inches away from a goal of the season contender but his long ranger effort clattered off the crossbar. Beyond that, his contribution was minimal. AP
Sean Longstaff – 6. Came inches away from a goal of the season contender but his long ranger effort clattered off the crossbar. Beyond that, his contribution was minimal. AP
Allan Saint-Maximin – 6. Looked Newcastle’s most likely player to haul his team back into the game with his trickery and direct running but nothing quite came off the for the Frenchman. Replaced on 73 minutes. PA
Allan Saint-Maximin – 6. Looked Newcastle’s most likely player to haul his team back into the game with his trickery and direct running but nothing quite came off the for the Frenchman. Replaced on 73 minutes. PA
Joelinton – 5. Starved of service and never looked like troubling the Chelsea goal. He will certainly have easier days but his lack of goals should be a worry. EPA
Joelinton – 5. Starved of service and never looked like troubling the Chelsea goal. He will certainly have easier days but his lack of goals should be a worry. EPA
SUBS: Fabian Schar (45’) – 7. Came on to replace the injured Lascelles and slotted well into the backline. AFP
SUBS: Fabian Schar (45’) – 7. Came on to replace the injured Lascelles and slotted well into the backline. AFP
Almiron (65’) – 5. In the news for the wrong reasons this week after a hostile exchange between his agent and Steve Bruce, the Paraguayan couldn’t take his chance off the bench to create more positive headlines. AFP
Almiron (65’) – 5. In the news for the wrong reasons this week after a hostile exchange between his agent and Steve Bruce, the Paraguayan couldn’t take his chance off the bench to create more positive headlines. AFP
Andy Carroll (74’) – 6. Had a half-chance when played through but his glaring lack of pace was exposed. Won a couple of headers as standard. Getty Images
Andy Carroll (74’) – 6. Had a half-chance when played through but his glaring lack of pace was exposed. Won a couple of headers as standard. Getty Images
CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Edouard Mendy – 7. Another match in a Chelsea shirt, another clean sheet for the new signing. Didn’t have to make any spectacular saves but used his anticipation to clear up loose balls and commanded his area well. PA
CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Edouard Mendy – 7. Another match in a Chelsea shirt, another clean sheet for the new signing. Didn’t have to make any spectacular saves but used his anticipation to clear up loose balls and commanded his area well. PA
Reece James – 8. Every game his influence just seems to grow. Solid in defence and a constant presence going forward, James was unfortunate not to get his name on the assists column with a couple of whipping low crosses. AFP
Reece James – 8. Every game his influence just seems to grow. Solid in defence and a constant presence going forward, James was unfortunate not to get his name on the assists column with a couple of whipping low crosses. AFP
Ben Chilwell – 7. A quiet game from the England left-back but still got himself into attacking positions, most notably to apply the pressure to force the own goal, and handled his defensive duties comfortably. Getty Images
Ben Chilwell – 7. A quiet game from the England left-back but still got himself into attacking positions, most notably to apply the pressure to force the own goal, and handled his defensive duties comfortably. Getty Images
Kurt Zouma – 7. The Frenchman has formed a formidable partnership with Thiago Silva this season, and even in the Brazilian’s absence he maintained his authority. Absolutely dominant in the air and never looked troubled. Reuters
Kurt Zouma – 7. The Frenchman has formed a formidable partnership with Thiago Silva this season, and even in the Brazilian’s absence he maintained his authority. Absolutely dominant in the air and never looked troubled. Reuters
Antonio Rudiger – 8. Demoted to back-up since Silva’s arrival, Rudiger took his chance to impress with a superb display. The German was commanding at the heart of Chelsea’s defence – tracking runs, producing blocks, and providing an assured presence. Reuters
Antonio Rudiger – 8. Demoted to back-up since Silva’s arrival, Rudiger took his chance to impress with a superb display. The German was commanding at the heart of Chelsea’s defence – tracking runs, producing blocks, and providing an assured presence. Reuters
N’Golo Kante – 8. Back in his preferred role at the base of the midfield, Kante was the best midfielder on the pitch, breaking up play and driving the ball forward. His positional sense is just so good and he was always in control. Reuters
N’Golo Kante – 8. Back in his preferred role at the base of the midfield, Kante was the best midfielder on the pitch, breaking up play and driving the ball forward. His positional sense is just so good and he was always in control. Reuters
Mateo Kovacic – 6. A more subdued display from the Croatian midfielder who is so often the driving force of this Chelsea team. Played his part in ensuring his team dominated possession. AP
Mateo Kovacic – 6. A more subdued display from the Croatian midfielder who is so often the driving force of this Chelsea team. Played his part in ensuring his team dominated possession. AP
Mason Mount – 7. Should have done better with his finish in the second half after a lovely turn to create the chance. But an overall good performance from the England international. Reuters
Mason Mount – 7. Should have done better with his finish in the second half after a lovely turn to create the chance. But an overall good performance from the England international. Reuters
Hakim Ziyech – 7. A rare outing without a goal or assist and started the game with a few wayward passes, but as the game went on the Moroccan’s influence grew. Drifted across the attack, always looked to be on the ball, and played probing passes. Not a vintage Ziyech display but his quality was evident. PA
Hakim Ziyech – 7. A rare outing without a goal or assist and started the game with a few wayward passes, but as the game went on the Moroccan’s influence grew. Drifted across the attack, always looked to be on the ball, and played probing passes. Not a vintage Ziyech display but his quality was evident. PA
Timo Werner – 7. May have fluffed a handful of chances but made amends with a driving run and assist to create Chelsea’s second goal. Caused all sorts of problems for the Newcastle defence, who would have been relieved the German didn’t have his shooting boots on at St James’ Park. AFP
Timo Werner – 7. May have fluffed a handful of chances but made amends with a driving run and assist to create Chelsea’s second goal. Caused all sorts of problems for the Newcastle defence, who would have been relieved the German didn’t have his shooting boots on at St James’ Park. AFP
Tammy Abraham – 8. Took his goal with cool composure and a great finish but even his goal aside, had a very good game. He led the line with authority by winning headers and creating space for his teammates and was frequently in the box. AP
Tammy Abraham – 8. Took his goal with cool composure and a great finish but even his goal aside, had a very good game. He led the line with authority by winning headers and creating space for his teammates and was frequently in the box. AP
SUBS: Callum Hudson-Odoi (76’) – 6. Looked lively during his cameo and was in the mood to cause some problems with his dribbling and movement. Ran out of time to make a tangible impact. Getty Images
SUBS: Callum Hudson-Odoi (76’) – 6. Looked lively during his cameo and was in the mood to cause some problems with his dribbling and movement. Ran out of time to make a tangible impact. Getty Images
Emerson (82’) – N/A Reuters
Emerson (82’) – N/A Reuters
Olivier Giroud (87’) – N/A EPA
Olivier Giroud (87’) – N/A EPA
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Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Another way to earn air miles

In addition to the Emirates and Etihad programmes, there is the Air Miles Middle East card, which offers members the ability to choose any airline, has no black-out dates and no restrictions on seat availability. Air Miles is linked up to HSBC credit cards and can also be earned through retail partners such as Spinneys, Sharaf DG and The Toy Store.

An Emirates Dubai-London round-trip ticket costs 180,000 miles on the Air Miles website. But customers earn these ‘miles’ at a much faster rate than airline miles. Adidas offers two air miles per Dh1 spent. Air Miles has partnerships with websites as well, so booking.com and agoda.com offer three miles per Dh1 spent.

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How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

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Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

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Born September 27, 1976

Position Attacking midifelder

Clubs played for (1) - Roma

Total seasons 24

First season 1992/93

Last season 2016/17

Appearances 786

Goals 307

Titles (5) - Serie A 1; Italian Cup 2; Italian Supercup 2

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