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Lampard delighted as Chelsea 'babies' come of age

Ajax 0 Chelsea 1

"I'm delighted with every element of the performance," said the Blues boss. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Expand

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"I'm delighted with every element of the performance," said the Blues boss. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

"I'm delighted with every element of the performance," said the Blues boss. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

"I'm delighted with every element of the performance," said the Blues boss. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Frank Lampard felt his Chelsea "babies" came of age in the Champions League after their stunning win at Ajax.

Michy Batshuayi climbed off the bench to fire the Blues to a memorable victory in Amsterdam.

Michy Batshuayi celebrates his goal. Photo: REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw Expand

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Michy Batshuayi celebrates his goal. Photo: REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

Michy Batshuayi celebrates his goal. Photo: REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

Michy Batshuayi celebrates his goal. Photo: REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

The Belgian striker made amends for a shocking earlier miss four minutes from time to hand last season's semi-finalists their first defeat of this campaign.

The Blues rode their luck at times, not least when an Ajax goal was ruled out by VAR for the tightest of offside calls, and when the hosts hit the frame of the goal. But Lampard's young side grew in stature as a frantic, tetchy encounter wore on and ran out deserved winners when Batshuayi rifled in off the underside of the crossbar.

"I'm delighted with every element of the performance," said the Blues boss. "It feels huge - it's just six points in the group and we play Burnley on Saturday. But I think we're allowed to be excited tonight.

"That's the blueprint. There are no excuses for us now. That's the standard and we can't drop it.

Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw Expand

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Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

"The young players are still babies in terms of Champions League minutes so this was a huge test for them. There was a good balance of young players and experience. We need to realise the things that made that happen tonight because Ajax are a top, top team."

Lampard was indebted to his substitutes after the lively Christian Pulisic set up the goal for Batshuayi.

"The subs were second to none," he added. "Sometimes the hardest thing is leaving someone out. But it's great for the spirit of the squad when subs come on and have an impact."

Ajax captain Dusan Tadic said: "Chelsea are a good club, but we can do better. We were sloppy and made easy mistakes. Now we have to focus again on the next game."

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