Super Frank nearly secures record and top 4 for Chelsea

Rafa Benitez did not start Frank Lampard yesterday but, once Ramires picked up an injury, the 34-year old midfielder came on to put Chelsea withing touching distance of Champions League qualification. Lampard looked like a man on a mission when he came on and a typical bursting run and pass set up Oscar for the opener after 43 minutes. Just two minutes later, Lampard was given the chance to add to his 200 goals from the penalty after Maya was fouled. Nobody expected him to miss, and he is now just one goal behind the all-time club record of Bobby Tambling.

“He is a gentleman,” said Lampard.

“I saw him before the game and I saw him afterwards. You would not meet a nicer guy in football.

“He has been in some bad health recently, but it is great to see him come across for the game and I am very proud to be up and mentioned alongside a name like his in football terms, but also as a bloke.”

Tambling was a guest of honour yesterday and his record still stands for now, but surely not for much longer. With Tottenham and Arsenal both drawing at the weekend, the win over Swansea has put Chelsea above both of them into third. We have a game in hand on Arsenal, too, while being a point above them and three above Spurs. The boomkies make the Blues favourites for a top four spot at 2/11 with Arsenal at 3/10 and Spurs trailing at 16/11.