Hello and welcome to live coverage of Frank Lampard's press conference following Chelsea's Premier League 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
While Lampard made six changes to his starting XI for the final game of 2020, it was two of the five who retained their places that looked most lively early on as Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic worked hard to make something happen.
Olivier Giroud put Chelsea in front soon after the half hour mark as Pulisic fed Ben Chilwell, who then crossed to the France striker and he got down low to head home at the near post.
But Villa started the second period strongly and Anwar El Ghazi levelled the game when arriving at the far post to meet a deep Matty Cash cross from the right. Andreas Christensen was down injured when the goal went in having made a poor attempt to take possession from Jack Grealish during the build-up.
Chelsea pushed hard for an equaliser, with Timo Werner and Kai Havertz coming on for the final 20 minutes, but it never materialised despite Chilwell's best efforts.
You can follow everything the head coach has to say below when he appears for his press conference.
Coincidence that bad run has come with Hakim out?
Not a coincidence. Can't rely completely on him. He was very effective of us in terms of creation and goals. It helped, we were very fluid until he got injured. We want him back. There's a possiblity he could be fit for City if it goes ahead. He's close.
Hudson-Odoi was lively. Does his passing go under the radar?
I liked his performance and his range of passing in the first half. Some of his movement and touches were great but we want to see end product and for him to go one-on-one like at Arsenal. That's the level of top wingers in the Premier League. He has the capabilities, that will be the next stage for him.
Any issue with Villa's equaliser?
I think there was a handball along the line. In terms of Grealish and Christensen, there wasn't much in it. Not sure it was a foul. I haven't reviewed that one yet.
Six changes tonight - hard to find the balance during this busy period?
It was a mixture because we have the squad. Reece James has a hamstring issue but Azpi would have played. Thiago and Kurt have played a lot. Oli and Tammy to play a game each made sense because they are both playing well.
City and Covid a concern for you? Plus Morecambe?
It's a key time and a tough time. We felt it coming with Tier 4 coming in. Safety is the paramount. From our point of view I'll find out more to make sure it's safe for the two teams. Otherwise the game won't go ahead. I'm not surprised because at the moment it's difficult for everyone and football isn't too different. Safety will be paramount.
No one better than Olivier at scoring in front post?
It's why he's a regular scorer. All credit to him.
A month of go would have won that game? Lack of confidence?
I think so. When things are going well it's easy to say. Today the focus was good and the play down the left was really good against a really good team. That's just football but if we show this attitude we'll get back to winning.
Kante's showing his durability?
I think so. He's in a good place and can do different roles for us.
Where does this draw leave you?
It's a draw against a good team. Our performance was good and we deserved to win. We've come through a difficult patch. We saw the attitude of the team today. The table is still tight and we remain close. Today I saw some good signs I like.
Still waiting
Smith is still talking - to preview their next game - so Lampard is being kept outside until the Villa manager is finished.
Dean Smith on Villa's goal
"I thought the referee was going to come back to book Christensen for the foul as well"
Lampard: soon
The head coach is currently working through his TV interviews so will be with us soon.
