The penalty was won by Cherif, who was handed his first Premier League start after struggling with fitness issues during the summer. Lampard was quick to acknowledge Cherif’s hard work in training despite an interrupted pre-season schedule.
Addressing the decision to start Cherif, Lampard added: “He has shown his progression in terms of fitness, coming in after a difficult summer, and not training fully. He’s been training with us and adapting, we’re not expecting everything tonight but we’re excited.” Cherif immediately justified his inclusion by forcing the crucial early error from Hornicek.