This kind of display is unlikely to see speculation over the appointment of former PSG and Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel - who along with ex-Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has been strongly linked with Stamford Bridge - as Lampard's possible successor dissipate.

In all likelihood it was the nature of the performance rather than the result itself that caused Lampard to be backed in from his 11/4 price ahead of Saturday's action.

Perhaps more interestingly, the former England captain's shortened odds is among the reasons that Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, though still top of the betting, has drifted from 4/5 to 7/4.

Chelsea face a difficult trip to top-four rivals Leicester on Tuesday, an encounter that it is not overdramatic to describe as potentially make or break for the club's legendary midfielder-turned-manager.

Match report & highlights: Fulham 0-1 Chelsea

Mason Mount scored the only goal to hand Chelsea a 1-0 victory over 10-man Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Frank Lampard’s side’s three-match winless run in the Premier League stretched back to before Christmas but they were able to capitalise on their numerical advantage when the 22-year-old drove past Alphonse Areola in the 78th minute.

The Cottagers had gone into the game unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches but were unable to hold onto a point, a challenge which was made much more difficult when wing-back Antonee Robinson was sent off for a diving tackle on Cesar Azpilicueta just before half-time.

The result moved Chelsea just one point behind Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham, while Fulham remain in the relegation zone.