Lampard faces Chelsea sack

Chelsea is seriously considering firing manager Frank Lampard following a humiliating home defeat to Manchester City.

The shocking revelation came via The Athletic, who reported Lampard’s job was “under serious threat”, according to sources at the club.

It would be a shocking move, not just because Chelsea is sixth on the ladder with more than half a season to play, but because of Lampard’s standing with the club and its fans.

Lampard was installed as manager after completing an apprenticeship at Derby, and Chelsea’s favourite son was viewed as a long-term solution after years of fits and starts in the top job under the restless eye of Roman Abramovich.

However The Athletic’s explosive report reveals Chelsea has “begun to explore alternative plans with a view to replacing Lampard if the current slump continues, if not sooner”.

Monday morning’s (AEDT) 3-1 loss was Chelsea’s fourth defeat in its past six Premier League starts, including a 3-1 reverse at Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola’s men had scored more than twice in a league game just once since their opening match of the season, but were 3-0 up by half-time thanks to goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne.

Victory lifts City to within four points of Liverpool and Manchester United at the top of the table, but with a game in hand on both to come.

Chelsea were expected to challenge for the title themselves after a £220m spending spree in the transfer market, but a run of one win in six games has left them down in eighth, seven points off the pace having played a game more than the leaders.

Only a win over West Ham and a draw with Aston Villa have brought the Blues any points in the past month.