Lampard is hopeful that Torres’s crucial goal in the 1-1 draw at Galatasaray in the Champions League last-16 first-leg will spark a goal glut from him today. PHOTO: AFP
Frank Lampard insists Fernando Torres can fire Chelsea’s challenge for the Premier League title when the leaders face west London rivals Fulham on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho’s team hold a slender one-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal and Chelsea’s lack of firepower has led some pundits to suggest they will not be able to keep pace as the title race heats up.
Blues strikers Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba have scored only 11 league goals between them this season.
But Chelsea midfielder Lampard is hopeful that Torres’s crucial goal in the 1-1 draw at Galatasaray in the Champions League last-16 first-leg will spark a goal glut from the former Liverpool forward.
“People have made a lot about Fernando and his £50 million price tag over the years,” said Lampard.
“But I don’t think he has to prove or sit back and analyse too much what he’s got to do. He just has to go out and score goals.”
With third-placed Manchester City in League Cup final action against Sunderland on Sunday, Mourinho’s men have an opportunity to pull clear of one of their main title rivals.
And Chelsea will make the short trip across the capital expecting to take all three points given Fulham’s position at the bottom of the Premier League and Chelsea’s seven-game unbeaten record at Craven Cottage.
If the leaders suffer a shock slip against Felix Magath’s team, Arsenal will hope to capitalise by regaining top spot with a rare victory at Stoke.
It’s about the team, not individuals: Wenger
Arsene Wenger’s side have won only one of their last five visits to the Britannia Stadium and the fixture has often proved especially bruising for the sometimes fragile Gunners.
Wenger was forced to defend himself against criticism of his decision to give Arsenal’s players two days off this week, and the French coach admitted he has yet to decide whether to recall Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil, who missed last weekend’s win over Sunderland with a hip injury and has struggled to reach top form of late.
“He [Ozil] had a difficult game because he missed that penalty, and it was on his mind,” said Wenger.
“Sometimes when you’re under this kind of pressure it’s good to refresh.
“My opportunity is just to put the best team out who can win the game, it’s not about individuals, it’s about the team.”
Saints won’t get easy ride again, warn Liverpool
Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool are a different proposition to the team beaten by Southampton earlier this season as the Reds prepare for a vital trip to St Mary’s on Saturday.
The 1-0 loss to Mauricio Pochettino’s side in September is still their only league defeat at Anfield all season.
“We have improved quite a lot [since the defeat in September],” said Rodgers.
“But despite the confidence, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be any easier a game — it’s going to be a really difficult game.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 1st, 2014.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ