Frank Lampard has edged closer to breaking Chelsea’s all-time goal record after helping his side to a 2-0 win against Swansea at Stamford Bridge today.
The England midfielder made a big impact coming off the bench for the injured Ramires during the first half by setting up Oscar for the opening goal and netting a penalty before the break when Leon Britton pulled Juan Mata down in the box.
Chelsea are now three points ahead of London rivals Tottenham and a point ahead of Arsenal, and we also have a game in hand over the Gunners. Nine more points will guarantee the Blues place in the top four in their last four games, assuming the other two win all their remaining games and we’re still to play Andre Villas-Boas’ Spurs at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard recorded his first Premier League assist of the season when he found Oscar before the Brazilian fired home and later dispatched his penalty expertly, scoring his 15th of the season and the 201st of his Chelsea career whilst record holder Bobby Tambling was in attendance.
The 34-year-old will earn the headlines but he will have a lot to thank David Luiz for as he worked tirelessly for the team in midfield and allowed Lamps to push forward from midfield. Luiz completed 82% of his passes, won all of his aerial duels and made five successful tackles, which is joint-most along with Oscar.
Chelsea could have extended their lead but Demba Ba wasn’t clinical and Swansea keeper Michael Vorm put in a number of good saves.
All in all it was a good day for Chelsea as three points were secured, Lampard edged closer towards the all-time record and Petr Cech kept the 141st league clean sheet of his career (3rd on the outright list of Premier League clean sheets.
2 wins (6pts -71 total pts) will do it if we beat Spurs, as its very unlikely that Spurs could make up the goal diference advantage we have over them!
I agree, Dave. Is looking good for Chelsea.