Frank Lampard handed further evidence that Chelsea rescue mission might be impossible ahead of Brighton

Frank Lampard could become the first Chelsea manager to lose to Brighton and Hove Albion in a home Premier League game.

The Blues are only just recovering from the lows of losing 2-0 to Real Madrid in the Champions League, but face a Brighton side who will be smarting from the manner of their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

The Blues have failed to score in their last four games, and have lost three of those four games including the two under Lampard so far.

He has already tried to change the system in the defeats to Wolves and Real Madrid, he tried a back four at the Molineux and went with a back three in the Spanish capital, all yielded defeats.

He admits the results have been tough and highlight the task at hand: “This is an interesting job in terms of the short nature of it.

“But no, it's the task I thought It would be. I had an understanding from the outside. I was under no illusions with the game, game, game and tough games to come. I like the challenge.

“I would have been through a run like that. I've been around long enough to have all of the positives and negatives. The only way to solve it is through hard work and focus.

There is also the small matter of who should be in post this weekend after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s performance came under scrutiny in Madrid.

The Spain international has repaired his reputation somewhat recently- but doubts are beginning to appear again especially with the manner of the second goal Chelsea conceded in Madrid.

Former first choice Edouard Mendy is now fit again having been ruled out through injury since January. Who Lampard decides to put in post this weekend will be pivotal for what is left of what has been a challenging campaign.

Injuries haven’t helped the situation, defender Kalidou Koulibaly who looked bright against Madrid has been ruled out after picking up what looked like a hamstring, however Mason Mount could feature in his first league game since February- having looked sharp as a substitute in midweek.

But losing Koulibaly who was looking like getting back to his best form will be a blow according to the Chelsea boss:

“Koulibaly won’t be available for the game. It’s a matter of weeks rather than days. He’s a very good, very experienced player.

“People talk a lot about our squad, Champions League squad is different to Premier League and a disappointment but also an opportunity for someone else.”

Lampard was handed a short-term deal by the new owners, but there is no doubting that deep down he’d want to do well to stand a chance of keeping the job permanently. The club record goalscorer will need to start winning games and there is no better place than at Stamford Bridge to start.