Mason Mount ‘outstanding’ for Chelsea but forwards lack confidence, says Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard hailed the “outstanding” Mason Mount after the midfielder’s strike gave Chelsea a much-needed win over west London rivals Fulham in Saturday’s derby at Craven Cottage.

The Blues toiled against a Fulham side who are growing in confidence each week and threatened to frustrate the visitors despite having Antonee Robinson sent off on the stroke of half-time.

Mount had been Chelsea’s best player throughout, going close to opening the scoring by rattling the bar midway through the first-half.

And just as it looked as if more pressure would be heaped onto Lampard, Chelsea having lost four of their last six in the league, the England international popped up with a 78th-minute winner.

“He was the outstanding player,” Lampard said.

“I thought Mason’s performance all round was fantastic. He’s been very good for us, last year, this year. He’s a big example of when I mention youth, he turned 22 last week. I came to Chelsea at 22 and I wasn’t blowing the world away, I was finding my feet. He’s already got so many games under his belt.

“His effort, his attitude and his quality of play today was outstanding.”

Up until Mount’s goal, Chelsea had struggled to create openings, with Lampard still seemingly unable to suss out his most potent formula in the attacking positions.

However, the Blues boss was quick to praise his side’s patience as they eventually wore down a defensive effort which his counterpart, Scott Parker, hailed as “heroic”.

"It is a pressure to move the ball, hit the sides, open it up, make them run and create chances. We were doing that. Just because of the current form it is a bit harder, the confidence is not quite there. But we found it so I'm really pleased.

"I trust the quality of the players. There was a feeling we would get a goal, because the pressure was constant. It was about staying patient with our passing and I think we did."

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