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

Merson urges patience

Paul Merson says Chelsea fans will need toe be patient this season but has praised Frank Lampard’s use of the young players in our opening games.

Former Arsenal and England winger Merson, who is a Blues fan, told Sky Sports that some of the fear factor has been removed for teams visiting Stamford Bridge, but the signs are positive with the emergence of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham.

‘I like Frank, and I think you get experience as you go. Would somebody else have played Mason Mount? He's a special player. And now Tammy Abraham has four goals.

‘We only do this by learning, you don't get five games down the road and say: “You're out of the team,” if they're not performing. You go back to square one like that. Patience, patience. These are young kids.

‘Man City and Liverpool are so far ahead of everybody now, this is a different situation. If Chelsea finished in the top four this season, Frank would get manager of the year, in my opinion.’

Batshuayi kills Anderlecht rumours

Michy Batshuayi was linked with a deadline day return to Belgium under former international team-mate Vincent Kompany, but took to Twitter to dispell the claims.

The Daily Express reported: ‘He responded to a tweet from France Football, that said: “Information from France Football. Anderlecht are trying everything to get Michy Batshuayi.”

‘The Belgian replied to the tweet with an image of himself during a match for his previous club, Standard Liege.’

How Lampard has improved Abraham

The Athletic* published a piece detailing Tammy Abraham’s rise through the ranks at the Bridge, with the striker having netted four times this season already.

‘Those close to him have told The Athletic that Abraham views this season as a once-in-a-career opportunity to establish himself at the club he joined as an eight-year-old,’ says the report.

‘Lampard has encouraged Abraham’s ambition, while stressing at every turn the need for constant improvement.

‘It has become routine at Cobham for Abraham and Mason Mount to stay behind after training, working on their finishing with the help of Chelsea’s all-time top goalscorer. Lampard has made a point of encouraging his young striker to be prepared to shoot from distance when the opportunity presents itself, as it did in the second half against Norwich.’

*A subscription is required to read this article