After Chelsea took a “small step forward” by ending their six-match losing streak with a 3-1 victory at Bournemouth, Frank Lampard urged his players to celebrate with a drink or glass of wine.
Benoit Badiashile and Joao Felix scored late goals to give the Blues a much-needed victory at Vitality Stadium after Cherries defender Matias Vina had erased Conor Gallagher’s early header.
The victory on the south coast was Lampard’s first since his temporary return to Stamford Bridge a month ago, and it was a fitting way to end his 100th match as a Premier League manager.
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The former England and Blues midfielder exhorted his squad to celebrate the side’s first victory in nearly two months but cautioned them against taking it easy heading into their last four games.
“They should enjoy it and we’re happy because when you don’t have that feeling for a while, it gradually knocks you down,” said Lampard.
“It was very evident in the dressing room from coming in that there was a lot of picking up that needed to be done and unfortunately you need results to come in line with that to keep you stepping forward, so that’s been tough.
“Today was a nice small step forward.
“The lads are all human, we’re all affected in similar ways when you’re not winning games or you don’t feel like you’re at your best and the only way to get through that is to fight and to work through it.
“I’ve been in relative periods where they’re tough, so absolutely they should enjoy tonight and have a beer or have a glass of wine or do whatever they do.
“But we cannot take our foot of the pedal in terms of trying to take steps forward until the end of this season because it’s important.”
The two-time European champions now have 42 points, three more than their hosts, despite still being in the lowest half of the standings after their victory in Dorset.
Before the late drama, Bournemouth had the best of the opportunities, but Dango Ouattara wasted a wonderful opportunity by heading the ball over from inside the six-yard box.
In the final eight minutes, Badiashile and Felix made up for their carelessness, allowing Chelsea supporters to celebrate the long-awaited victory with ironic chants of “we’re staying up.”
Raheem Sterling and Hakim Ziyech, two substitutes who had received some jeers from the away end, replied by assisting Felix and Badiashile, respectively.
Lampard supported the under-fire duo to demonstrate their true class in the wake of poor campaigns in an effort to reestablish the link between supporters and players.
“Our fans were fantastic today so I personally appreciate their support,” said Lampard.
“I appreciate we had a moment on the end of the pitch where everyone feels good for a day.
“I think that’s important to build a connection between players and fans.
“Opinion can always change in a period but Hakim and Raheem want to do well, as football players they’ve got big talent both of them.
“I think their class is permanent and I’m pleased for them for having some impact when they came on.”
Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil rued his side’s missed opportunities.
“I thought it was an even contest,” he said. “There were lots of bits in it that I liked.
“When we were on top, Vina has a one-on-one where Kepa (Arrizabalaga) makes a good save, Kepa makes a great block from Dango as well from four, five yards out and obviously the massive chance, Dango’s free header.
“If we get our noses in front then the game will probably finish very differently.
“I’m disappointed we weren’t clinical enough and then we get punished at the other end.
“We were well in the game.”