In the same way that Chelsea's transfer ban eased expectations on manager Frank Lampard during his first season in charge, the club's £220 million summer outlay is a key reason why he now finds himself under pressure.
Lampard knows from his 13 years as a player in west London that Stamford Bridge is an unforgiving place for any manager. Of the 12 men appointed since owner Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003, only Jose Mourinho (212 games, in two spells), Antonio Conte (76) and Carlo Ancelotti (76) have taken charge of more Premier League games for Chelsea than Lampard's 55.