By David Lee Wheatley
Lampard writes name in history books
Frank Lampard became Chelsea's all-time top scorer with a double at Villa Park this afternoon.
Rafa Benitez led his side to a comeback victory against an in-form Villa team after initially falling behind to Benteke's first-half opener.
Things looked bleak for the Blues when Ramires got his marching orders later in the first half for a high tackle that resulted in a second yellow card.
David Luiz was introduced at half-time and the visitors started getting a foothold in the game from then on and they were visibly lifted when Benteke joined Ramires in the red card club with a high challenge of his own.
Up stepped the extraordinary Lampard, when a ball across the box was treated with disdain by the left foot of the England midfielder to make it 1-1.
Villa pushed to get back in front, but Chelsea held firm before striking a late winner. A fine one-two between Hazard and Cole climaxed with a fantastic finish from the on-rushing Lampard from Hazard's cross. That was goal number 203 of his Chelsea career, finally beating Bobby Tambling's record.
That two-goal salvo also means that Lampard has reached double figures on the score-charts in each of the last ten seasons; unbelievable for a midfield player.
With a far superior goal difference, Chelsea realistically can't be caught by Spurs now, so 4th place would be the worst case scenario. Therefore, the Champions League for next season is all but guaranteed as they look ahead to the Europa League final in Amsterdam on Wednesday.
Beat Benfica and it's mission accomplished for Rafa Benitez, despite the furore surrounding his appointment at the club.
And, for Frank Lampard, it's a timely reminder to the board that he's worth another year at least. What a player!
Twitter: @davewh1980
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