Frank Lampard was ostensibly miffed with the antics of some of those on the Liverpool bench during Wednesday’s thrilling and highly engaging Premier League clash at Anfield that saw a blitz of 8 brilliant goals between both teams.
The Blues battled with tooth and nails after trailing 3-0 in the first half at the Merseyside, and eventually managed to pull the score back to 4-3 with the imminent threat of an equaliser before substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s late finish sealed an 18th home top-flight win of the season for the champions ahead of their trophy presentation.
Chelsea’s feathers were particularly ruffled by Liverpool’s second goal, goaded by referee Andre Marriner’s awarding of a free kick after he penalised midfielder Mateo Kovacic for a challenge on Sadio, a decision that the Blues took objection to.
Reds full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold then stepped up to bend the ball in a snazzy curve around the blues’ defensive wall and into the back of the net as Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could only stand immobilized and watch, totally helpless in abject dismay and frustration.
Lampard appeared to be remonstrating, and engaging in a war of words, with Pep Lijnders after the awarding of that controversial free-kick with the Liverpool assistant coach then celebrating the ensuing goal with abandonment.
After the game, the Chelsea boss bemoaned the referee’s decision and told Liverpool not to become “too arrogant” following their latest success.
“For me it wasn’t a foul from Kovacic,” Lampard told Sky Sports.
Frank Lampard, normally not one to give in too pessimism or histrionics, appeared to remonstrate with Liverpool staff on the touchline after the hosts’ second goal
“There were a lot of things that were ongoing and on the bench… I’ve got no problem with Jurgen Klopp , he’s managed this team and it’s fantastic.
“Some of the bench, it’s a fine line between when you are winning – and they’ve won the league, fair play to Liverpool Football Club – but also don’t get too arrogant with it.
“That was my thing, but done. In match play you get emotional and that was it.”