Frank Lampard reacts after FA Cup final defeat for Chelsea

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said that he can't be critical of the players following the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

The Blues made the perfect start to the Wembley showdown as Christian Pulisic scored in the fifth minute, but they were pegged back before the 30th-minute mark after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converted from the penalty spot.

Following the interval, the west London side appeared in control as they had a period of constant possession, but the Gunners scored against the run of play with a wonderful left-footed chip from Aubameyang.

Thereafter, they were unlucky with a few refereeing decisions from Anthony Taylor including the sending off for Mateo Kovacic, but judging by the overall performance, the Gunners decide to win the trophy.

Speaking after the game, Lampard refused to put the blame on any of his players and said that they went with the right approach, he told: "I can't criticise the players and approach in the game.

"Willian pulls out, two hamstrings and dislocated shoulder. Ten men was a difficult challenge. We shouldn't look at just today. It wasn't to be the icing on the cake."

The Blues decided to leave Willian out of the matchday squad due to a minor injury. They suffered further setbacks at Wembley with Cesar Azpilicueta and Pulisic picking up hamstring injuries while Pedro dislocated his shoulder at the end.

Pulisic's absence pretty much turned the final in the Gunners' favour. Chelsea still have to play in the Champions League this term. They suffered a 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the round of 16 and now face an improbable task of overcoming the deficit on the road.