football.london takes a look at the latest talking points to arise from Chelsea's defeat to Manchester City, ahead of the final two matches of the season.
Chelsea simply not close
That is not to say the Blues were not close in their competitiveness against City but Sunday's game felt like less of a match and more of celebration. Frank Lampard's side have not had anything to play for for a number of weeks already but the trip to the Etihad lacked any jeopardy as the home side and their fans cut relaxed figures, who were simply happy.
It was almost difficult to recognise the atmosphere given the frustration Chelsea's play has been met with throughout the season, and Pep Guardiola's second string side were still able to secure three points having already won the league after Arsenal slipped up against Nottingham Forest. Chelsea had opportunities but it felt like their opponents were going through the motions because of everything that had come before that season.
There must also be appreciation that Manchester City's did not emerge overnight. It started 15 years ago when Mark Hughes was deemed a 'prime asset' by their ownership and Robinho was signed as a signal of intent. Neither really worked out but by fulfilling other promises.
READ MORE: What John Stones did to Raheem Sterling following Chelsea star's miss versus Manchester City
Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan following his takeover that the "intention is that Manchester City has the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field" and "to put together a board and executive team that is worthy of the heritage and potential of Manchester City".
Any other allegations notwithstanding, City's spending, though vast, often hits the mark and footballing appointments have been successful. Chelsea already bailed on Graham Potter but in the coming months we will begin to see how successful the changes that have been made behind the scenes are.
The slow start to life under Todd Boehly and Co has been gruelling but it is forgivable should things start moving in the right direction.
Time for a new manager
That is not to say Frank Lampard should not be in charge of the next two games, but with little riding on Chelsea's final 180 minutes, the difficulty of the former Blues midfielder's task has been amplified. While there was a faint opportunity in the Champions League and a faint chance to turn Chelsea's Premier League fortunes around, the reality was always that Lampard's tenure would be difficult.
With no Mauricio Pochettino appointed, or obviously firm plans for next term, it is difficult for the caretaker manager to impose much direction, at least from an outside perspective. Players will still be required to play for their futures, at or away from Chelsea, but when stars are rumoured to be heading elsewhere, it is difficult for supporters to see the justification in them still earning minutes.
It's a situation that has come to a head with Carney Chukwuemeka in some ways. The midfielder did feature as a late substitute having been prevented joining up for the Under-20s World Cup, but it's safe to say some were expecting more - which could yet come against Manchester United and Newcastle.
However, when tasked with the situation by the media in his press conference following defeat to Man City, Lampard replied: "I want to get him minutes because he's not going to the World Cup but I have to think about my job."
Simply, it left many wondering what Lampard's job is at the moment. Obviously, he is there to take charge of the team and to get the best results he can, but how much of that is in isolation versus ensuring the team is in the best position for next season? Can Lampard even ensure that without the appointment of his successor? It merely exacerbates the issue of the season already feeling like it is over, and various motivations being questioned. Particularly with players who would be considered the future of the squad like Chukwuemeka, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk having to start the game on the bench.
Romelu Lukaku sends reminder of Chelsea's goalscoring problems
There's not long left in the season so why not talk about it again? After scoring five goals in two games, Chelsea were back to drawing a blank against Manchester City. The Blues were only two shots sort of the Premier League winners and tripled their shots on target in the game, but were unable to trouble the scoresheet in familiar fashion.
Often Chelsea have not created decent chances, so Sunday was at least better on that front but there still weren't many quality opportunities and the Blues did not take them. Lampard's side lie 45 points behind City and scored 57 fewer goals in the league. Even if you discount goals from Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, Guardiola's side would still have scored 12 more times.
Fixing that issue will be key for Mauricio Pochettino should he take over, with no recognised striker taking to the patch yet again, while one on Chelsea's books continued his good form in Italy. Romelu Lukaku bagged his sixth goal in as many games to earn 10-man Inter Milan the possibility of a draw, before Napoli recorded two goals through Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Gianluca Gaetano to secure victory.
Lukaku returning to Stamford Bridge in any meaningful sense seems unlikely, but in comparison to last summer it's beginning to look like something that should be contemplated before sanctioning a return to Italy.
READ NEXT
Every word Frank Lampard said on Chelsea future, Man City defeat, Lewis Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka
Manchester City vs Chelsea highlights as Julian Alvarez goal proves the difference
Chelsea player ratings vs Man City as Lewis Hall shines, Azpilicueta poor, Wesley Fofana error
Napoli find possible replacement for key man as Chelsea told Osimhen and Pulisic transfer truth
Thierry Henry sends Mykhailo Mudryk transfer warning as Chelsea plot 'crazy' £161m double swoop
