Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has revealed that he gave Tammy Abraham strong words of encouragement ahead of his match-winning performance at Norwich on Saturday.
The striker scored his first goal for the Blues to put them 1-0 up in Norfolk at lunchtime however, his side were quickly pegged back by Todd Cantwell.
Mason Mount restored Chelsea’s lead, only for Teemu Pukki to level things up once again.
In the second half, Abraham bagged a fantastic second which finally saw off the hosts and ensured a 3-2 victory – the team’s first of the season.
Chelsea’s start to 2019/20 had been a rough one, with a 4-0 opening day thumping at Manchester United followed by a Super Cup shootout defeat to Liverpool and home draw with Leicester.
After missing the decisive penalty against Liverpool, serious questions were asked of Abraham, though Lampard stood by his number nine and saw his faith repaid at Norwich.
When he scored the opener, the 21-year-old had no hesitation over how he wanted to celebrate as he sprinted across to his manager for an emphatic hug.
In the post-match press conference, the full reason why was explained.
Chelsea’s official Twitter account posted: “Lampard reveals he spoke to Tammy before the game and said today was going to be his day.
“The boss was very happy the striker ran to him after scoring his first, and the whole team and management could celebrate together.”
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface, Lampard added: “I thought he was fantastic, the finishes were really good.
“The first goal I thought was a top finish and the second one as well that wins us the game, yeah, really good.
“Difficult conditions, I ask a lot from the strikers, I want them to work off the ball, I want them to run channels, I want them to hold it up, I want everything from them.
“So in those conditions it was tough for him, but Tammy showed today with the stature of him, the size of him, the quality that he’s got.
“If he’s on it and he’s running and he’s causing problems, then he can be a really good all-round striker for this club.”
Abraham added: “It’s always nice to have that support behind you. Especially how he supports the young lads, he gives us confidence.
“Me and Mason Mount scoring today, it just goes to show that, when a coach believes in you, you just wanna do your best and give 100 per cent.”
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