Frank Lampard uses Arsenal and Aston Villa to make clear Chelsea Mauricio Pochettino sack verdict

Frank Lampard has urged Chelsea fans to remain patient with Mauricio Pochettino following their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City, pointing to their results against Arsenal and Aston Villa this season.

Chelsea had the better chances at Wembley on Saturday, with Nicolas Jackson missing a series of great chances to put the Blues ahead. However, an 84th-minute Bernardo Silva strike was enough to sink the London club, who have lost both of their trips to the national stadium this season.

Like in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool, the game looked like it was heading to extra-time, with Chelsea failing to convert when finding joy in the final third. The late blow will be a sucker punch during what has been a ragged campaign.

Pochettino still has the opportunity to secure European football for his side this season with seven matches left to play in the Premier League as Chelsea chase a top-seven finish. However, that would not cover over what has been yet another drab campaign.

That said, a draw with Arsenal back in October, two draws with Man City in the league and an FA Cup win over high-flying Aston Villa have all offered signs of encouragement. Lampard has urged supporters to afford time for their Argentine manager, highlighting the shoots of growth that have been seen in his maiden season at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on BBC punditry duty, he said: “I think [Chelsea] fans should show patience. They've shown good performances against top teams. They did it twice in the league against Man City, they've done it today and against Arsenal and against Aston Villa.”

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Speaking after