Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has criticised his players for failing to do “the bare minimum” in a 2-0 defeat against Leicester.
The Blues were caught out from two set pieces in quick succession in the build up to the opening goal and were unable to recover from that blow.
They rarely posed a threat to their opponents, who have gone to the top of the standings, and Lampard admits that he has some concerns over the attitude of his side.
“We were beaten by a better team. They ran more than us and showed more quality than us. We look like a team out of form,” he admitted to Sky Sports in the aftermath of the game.
“There were a lot of moments in the first half when we didn’t look sharp. The bare minimum is to run, sprint, cover ground, and we didn’t do that.
“The most disappointing thing is to come here and to lose a game. The basics off the ball are important. On the ball, we were alright but overall our game wasn’t there.”
Looking at the bigger picture, which shows that Chelsea are in the midst of a prolonged slump in results, the former England midfielder admitted he has concerns over his team.
“It’s a small step backwards,” he added.
“I’m worried. From the form that we were in, to be so quickly in the form we’re now in… Five losses in eight, that’s not where we want to be. We were where Leicester are a month ago, we were flying.
“If you come off it, you suddenly realise you’ve got a little lack of confidence.”
Chelsea have an FA Cup clash against Luton on Sunday at home that offers them an opportunity to bounce back.