"Genius", "All credit to Lamps" - Many Chelsea fans discuss explanation for "best decision ever"

Loads of Chelsea fans have been reacting on social media after the Blues’ official Twitter account shared Frank Lampard’s justification behind replacing Marcos Alonso with Reece James at half-time against Ajax in the Champions League.

The Blues found themselves 3-1 down at the break on Tuesday night, after own goals from Tammy Abraham and Kepa Arrizabalaga either side of a Quincy Promes strike moved the visiting Eredivisie side into a commanding lead.

Jorginho had equalised from the spot in the fourth minute after Abraham’s own goal, but the Stamford Bridge outfit struggled to control proceedings as Ajax laid claim to 55.5% of the possession and attempted four shots to Chelsea’s two.

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Lampard has now claimed that he brought Alonso off at the interval for James as he felt the Blues product would offer a greater attacking threat down the right-hand side, while Cesar Azpilicueta moved to fill the left-back slot.

The switch paid off as Chelsea took the game by the scruff of the neck once back on the field, to boast 65.1% of the possession in the second-half and attempt 21 shots, per WhoScored data.

James’ presence on the field resulted in the 19-year-old recording 41 of the Blues’ 345 touches, as well as accounting for one of their 13 successful dribbles and a third of their interceptions, while completing 15 of his 30 passes in the final third.

He also delivered seven of Chelsea’s 17 crosses in the second-half, and made a telling contribution for the result when he struck the back of the net in the 74th-minute to draw the score level at 4-4.

Here are some of the reactions offered to Lampard’s justification behind his half-time change…

Lamps it’s okay to say it, Alonso was trash today

— Joseph Tete (@Zenda_Tete) November 5, 2019

Lampard knew he was the solution, and he brought him in

I hope he gets more playing time

— DiviskidPR (@DiviskidP) November 5, 2019

Best Decision Ever Made, Bringing On RJ24 pic.twitter.com/J592SKRItB

— Chelsea Till Satan Repents⁶ (@assahfalcao) November 5, 2019

Reece quality justifies that change @Super Frankie!
I hope that quality earns the right for more starts…

— John A Adegbesan (@jaade1806) November 6, 2019

All credit to lamps for that sub. I love sarri but he never would do that

— Rasen – Pride of London (@RasenRendanX) November 5, 2019

frank is a sub genius

— Max ߷ (@ItzMaxK) November 5, 2019

Nah he knows he subbed Marcos off cause he was playing bad

— Dan T (@dan_tempz) November 5, 2019

Frank showed he actually know what he wants and how to go for it. Though I want a win but the logic behind the drastic come back is superb.#CHEAJA #Chelsea #ChampionsLeague #UCL

— Omo Eyan ‘re (@owoniyilb) November 6, 2019