Lampard surpassed former Chelsea striker Bobby Tambling’s long-standing club record in the 88th minute after scoring his second goal. PHOTO: AFP
A hugely entertaining and eventful contest at Villa Park saw Paul Lambert’s team take an early lead through Christian Benteke and they looked well set when Chelsea’s Ramires was sent off on the stroke of half-time.
Benteke though followed him down the tunnel after the restart, however, and it proved a major turning point as Lampard soon equalised before dramatically surpassing former Chelsea striker Bobby Tambling’s long-standing club record in the 88th minute by making it 203 goals for the Blues.
“People have been talking about the record a lot and it’s great to get it finally, especially in an important game,” Lampard told the BBC.
Third-placed Chelsea now have a six-point advantage over Tottenham, who have a game in hand in fifth, but have a superior goal difference over their London rivals of 17 goals.
The only negative for the visitors at Villa Park was the sight of John Terry being carried off on a stretcher, casting a doubt over his availability for the Europa League final against Benfica on Wednesday.
Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez praised Lampard’s display, saying, “I’m pleased for him and the team. He trains well and is always pushing and ready to play.”
As for injury problems ahead of the Europa League final, Benitez said both Terry and playmaker Eden Hazard were doubtful with ankle knocks.
Defeat meant relegation-threatened Villa remained on 40 points and the Birmingham club will now anxiously await Wigan’s midweek game with Arsenal.
Victory for Wigan could see the Latics defy the drop at Villa’s expense if they beat the Midlands club on the final day of the season.
Villa manager Paul Lambert said his side had received no help from the officials.
“We should have won the game,” said Lambert. “Some of the decisions today were bizarre. We didn’t deserve that.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 12th, 2013.
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