Monday 31 December 2012

Lampard leads Chelsea to win at Goodison Park

Frank Lampard scored a brace to lead a 2-1 comeback win at Everton on Sunday and move the Blues back up to third place in the Premier League. 

Lampard exhibited sheer class as he scored either side of halftime to cancel out Steven Pienaar's thunderbolt strike after just 63 seconds. Chelsea's fourth successive league win under interim manager Rafael Benitez lifted them to within four points of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand. Manchester United though are seven points clear at the top. 

Lampard has made more than 500 appearances for Chelsea in 11 years but has been linked with a move away from the club when his current contract expires at the end of the season. 

"We haven't been talking (about a new contract) in the last couple of weeks and I'm just concentrating on playing," Lampard told the media. 

"Playing games gives me enough satisfaction, then what will be will be." 

Benitez praised his side for the way they responded to conceding early on but he would not be drawn on Lampard's future. 

"My job is to keep Lampard fit," he said. "He is under contract, fully committed and working hard and that is it. My job is to coach the players, and keep winning games and keep my opinion." 

Lampard's performance at Goodison Park was an example of just how influential he can be. 

He rose high in the box to meet a well-directed, left-footed cross from Ramires, planting the ball in the corner of Tim Howard's net to draw Chelsea level, before slamming home the winner after a goalmouth scramble with 18 minutes left on the clock. 

Lampard has made popping up in the right place at the right time an art form in his time at Chelsea. 

"It was very hard," he said. 

"This is always one of the most difficult games of the season. We got a tanking here last year and we had to stand up for ourselves... It was always going to be very close and we did ride our luck at times. 

"We have to keep believing this season - there is a long way to go. We can only win our games then rely on other things." 

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