Chelsea start ´feels okay´ as Lampard lauds Silva: I remember playing at 36!

Frank Lampard assessed Chelsea’s start to the Premier League season as “okay” but was more complimentary of veteran defender Thiago Silva after a 3-0 win over West Ham.

The Blues will be fifth at Christmas, six points behind leaders Liverpool, having come through a tricky outing against their London rivals at Stamford Bridge.

Silva nodded a 10th-minute opener, before Tammy Abraham scored twice in the space of 101 seconds to secure victory following an extended spell of West Ham pressure.

It was a precious victory after back-to-back defeats to Everton and Wolves, but coach Lampard is not getting carried away.

Asked by Sky Sports to assess his side’s position, Lampard said: “It feels okay. I want more. I’m probably still fresh off the two defeats.”

Silva was central to ending that losing run, starring at both ends as he made six clearances, three interceptions, a tackle and a block.

The Brazil international, who turned 36 in September, is in his first season in England after a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Lampard left the Premier League at 36 and says Silva has exceeded his expectations.

“I remember playing in the Premier League at 36, and I couldn’t play like he’s playing, week in, week out,” the Blues boss said. “I was in and out of the team and I could feel it at that stage of my career.