Frank Lampard claims Chelsea 'got what they deserved' in limp defeat to Arsenal

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was 'angry' at the manner in which the Blues were beaten by Arsenal on Boxing Day, and urged his players to 'take responsibility' for the part they played in the 3-1 loss.

Lampard's men were outclassed by the Gunners from the first minute, who took the lead through an Alexandre Lacazette penalty and then doubled their advantage before half-time, thanks to a brilliant Granit Xhaka free-kick.

Bukayo Saka's cross-shot goal killed the game early in the second half, and although the Blues pulled one back and missed a late penalty, they were soundly beaten.

And the manner of the defeat left coach Lampard feeling extremely angry and frustrated with his team. Speaking after the loss, the ex-Chelsea midfielder admitted his side were 'very poor' and lacked energy, while blaming the players' mentality when approaching the game.

"In the second half we showed some urgency but it was too late," Lampard said. "The first half we gave ourselves too much to do, we were very poor. You can't lack energy and desire in the Premier League and we did.

"You can prepare as well as you want but if you turn up like that that's another thing. It's in the mind.

"If you perform below par things go against you like the Saka goal. That's life. On another day we could have scored the penalty and come back but it's not a day for us.

"The teams that win, win, win relentlessly weren't winning two or three years ago. We are not there yet, that's clear. I felt it when we are on our long unbeaten run and I feel it now. We got a lot wrong today."

Lampard also claimed responsibility for the defeat, but encouraged his players to do the same, saying 'you're not going to win any games' if you don't play at your best, and Chelsea 'got what they deserved' at the Emirates.

"I'll take responsibility on the outside but the players also have to take responsibility. The message was clear - Arsenal are a dangerous team. When you go out and play 60 or 70 per cent then you're not going to win any games.

"I am angry because I want us to win games. It was an opportunity to go second. You get what you deserve."