Frank Lampard stood where Antonio Conte would pace with manic intensity and Maurizio Sarri would draw wearily on his cigarette butt, and he sank a little deeper into his quilted jacket.
Chelsea are spluttering and losing their fizz. They are fading, vulnerable at home and the chasing pack is closing fast.
Tottenham and Manchester United are finding ways to win. Arsenal are stirring. Manchester City's ban from European football may come to the rescue but Lampard is starting to display the anxious signs of his predecessors.
He knows there are issues to solve and he must find the answers fast or qualification for the Champions League will be thrown into doubt and that is often a trigger for owner Roman Abramovich to pay close attention.