There are a few similarities between the current situation at Chelsea and that which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer produced in his early days as Manchester United manager.

Chelsea have done as United did in appointing one of their former players as manager, with Frank Lampard brought in over the summer, and doing so has conjured a feel-good atmosphere at Stamford Bridge to match that enjoyed at Old Trafford shortly after Solskjaer's arrival at the end of 2018.

That feeling has ensured a degree of patience with the new projects in place: the managers are both liked and so started in their roles without needing to gain the respect of the fans. They have had no need to prove themselves, having already done so as players.

There has been a focus on youth and energy from both Solskjaer and Lampard, and plenty of playing time for academy products, all of which buys yet more time from fans, the thinking being: if things aren't quite alright at this time, there's a chance they might eventually improve as the players get more experience. The potential for improvement breeds optimism.

And so, both Lampard and Solskjaer are in a position where they would be afforded time to turn things around if they turn sour. As it happens, however, Chelsea are doing quite well.