These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Blues pair lauded after shutting out Man Utd

BBC Sport analyst Garth Crooks has included Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva in his team of the week after the two recent Chelsea signings helped the Blues to keep a second consecutive clean sheet in our 0-0 draw at Manchester United last weekend.

Mendy has allowed only one goal in his first four starts for the Blues and Crooks was impressed by the Senegal international’s shot-stopping ability as he denied Marcus Rashford twice at Old Trafford.

‘The save from Marcus Rashford with Mendy's outstretched right foot when the Blues had been cut open (in the first half) was exceptional,’ said the former England forward.

‘However, it was his second save from Rashford (late in the game) that impressed me. The way Mendy moved his position so he could get sight of the ball and then did the same again in order to make the save was top class.’

Crooks was also impressed by Thiago Silva’s defensive display against the Red Devils.

‘Chelsea have not had a player at the back like this for some time. Defenders don't come more accomplished than Silva,’ he said.

‘The Brazil international has brought a desperately needed calm to the Blues defensive line up. His positional sense and reading of the game are his specialities.

Had it not been for Silva, his former Paris St-Germain team-mate Edinson Cavani would have almost certainly found himself on the scoresheet.’

Essien backs Lampard to get Blues on track

Michael Essien has told Goal.com that Frank Lampard just needs time to find the right formula for success as Chelsea manager.

Essien played alongside Lampard for nine years in west London and believes Blues fans must remain patient in his former team-mate as he works to get the best out of his new signings.

‘He [Lampard] is Chelsea, he knows the club inside out and what needs to be done. He will get the help of everyone there and I think so far that he has done a good job,’ said the former Ghana international, who is now an assistant coach at Danish side Nordsjaelland.

‘Last season was a good achievement and it isn't an easy place to manage. The fans can demand a lot so it isn't easy, and he is doing his best.

‘Football is full of ups and downs, you have to understand that. Get behind the team instead of not being happy after every bad result.

‘The job is not easy so you have to be patient and push the team, then hopefully they will do well. They have added good players so they will have to deliver as a lot is expected now.’

Slip against Blues still haunts Gerrard

According to the Daily Mail, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he is still affected by his error against Chelsea in April 2014 which may have cost his side the Premier League title.

Gerrard’s slip at Anfield allowed Demba Ba to open the scoring in a 2-0 win for the Blues which opened the door for Manchester City to overhaul his side in the title race.

'I park it up but it comes back, all the time,' said Gerrard, who left Liverpool a year later after failing to win a league title during his 17 seasons with the club

‘What triggers it? I don't know. TV. Images. Just me reflecting. I am someone who thinks a lot. I always try to tap into experiences.

'This is not a thing that happens every single day, but it was such a big moment. I've had lots and lots of moments, some incredible moments, which I never dreamed of but your career takes you to some lows as well.

‘It would be easy if you lifted the carpet, pushed them under and you never thought about them again. But I don't think that's ever going to be the case.’