UEFA Champions League 2019/20: 3 reasons why Chelsea beat Lille

#3 Lampard’s positive substitution pays off

Substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi had an immediate impact with an assist for Willian's winning goal

As tonight’s game came towards its end, it was interesting to see Lampard make a positive substitution, taking off the more defensive-minded Reece James in favour of the attacking talents of Callum Hudson-Odoi and switching to a back four. With Lille looking dangerous on the counter it would’ve been easy for Chelsea to attempt to settle for a draw with just over 20 minutes to go, but evidently Lampard isn’t that kind of boss.

At any rate, the switch made an almost immediate impact. Hudson-Odoi slotted into the side on the left wing and immediately looked dangerous, and just ten minutes after coming on, he sent a picture-perfect cross over to Willian, who did brilliantly to hit a first time volley home with some serious power.

The goal turned out to be the winner, and Lampard’s positivity had paid off in dividends. The most interesting thing was that James had actually performed well at right wing-back, contributing well in both defence and attack – meaning many bosses likely would’ve pulled the more subdued Mason Mount in favour of Hudson-Odoi rather than making a tactical switch late on.

Lampard might be considered a rookie boss at this stage of his career, but it’s nice to see him being willing to roll the dice to look to win a game like this, even more so when it pays off.