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Lampard back in Blues’ starting list

Comment: 0 September 29th, 2011 by: admin

ANDRE Villas-Boas put Frank Lampard back to the starting eleven and the veteran midfielder replied in a big way by scoring during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Valencia in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Portuguese coach has been under heavy criticism for benching Lampard in three of their four previous games but to ease tension, he sent the veteran midfielder to duty and the latter proved his worth although the Blues failed to achieve victory.

A late Roberto Soldado penalty after Salomon Kalou was caught with a handing violation enabled the hosts to salvage the draw.

At the pre-match press-conference, Villas-Boas angrily retorted to a several questions regarding rumours that Lampard is no longer a vital component of the team. His strong reply came by way of tapping Lampard to action right away.

The 33-year-old Lampard struck in the 56^th minute when Florent Malouda played the ball back to him inside the box.

Soldado hit the penalty for Valencia three minutes from time following a handball by Kalou, who came on as a substitute for Lampard in the 83^rd minute of the Group E tussle.

Lampard got the start at midfield alongside John Obi Mikel and Ramires, while Malouda was preferred in the attack for Nicolas Anelka.

The Blues exerted more pressure on the Spaniards after the interval, with Valencia keeper Diego Alves showing fine goal-tending until Lampard broke the ice.

Alves foiled Fernando Torres twice. He also stopped Ramires but he was helpless as Lampard was left unmarked for his brace.

Villas-Boas was later censured for sending in Kalou for Lampard but the Portuguese defended his decision.

With critics suggesting he should have sent in a more defensive-minded player as his side is under pressure, Villas-Boas said: “No, no, no, no! Putting on a striker has nothing to do with being more offensive or putting on a defender sometimes is nothing to do with being more defensive.’’

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