Mike Collett
LONDON: Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time record scorer, came on as a late substitute for Manchester City and scored their equaliser in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad as the champions ended his former club’s perfect start to the Premier League season on Sunday.
Lampard, who scored 211 goals for Chelsea and is on loan at City from MLS side New York City, scored in the 85th minute after only six minutes on the pitch.
Andre Schuerrle had put league leaders Chelsea ahead in the 71st minute, five minutes after City defender Pablo Zabaleta had been sent off for fouling Diego Costa.
Lampard, third on Chelsea’s all-time appearance list as well as scoring more goals for the club than anyone else, did not celebrate the goal which ended Chelsea’s perfect start to the season although they stayed three points clear at the top with 13 points from their first five matches.
“It’s a really difficult one. I’d be unprofessional if I came on and didn’t do my job so I’m mixed with it,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m obviously pleased that the side I came on for got a draw. It’s come up, I’m a professional and I didn’t expect to come on and score. I’m stuck in the middle.
“The Chelsea fans were singing my name and it was an emotional day. It’s not how I expected to say goodbye to the Chelsea fans. I woke up this morning and didn’t know what I wanted from today so I’m glad it’s out of the way. I guess this is a happy medium.”
City right back Pablo Zabaleta was sent off in the 66th after picking up a second booking, and Chelsea capitalized by opening the scoring five minutes later when substitute Andre Schuerrle tapped in Eden Hazard's low cross.
Chelsea dropped points for the first time in five games but still hold a three-point lead over Southampton and are five clear of City – arguably their biggest rival for the title.
City are now winless in four games in all competitions but came back well after losing Zabaleta, who lunged at Diego Costa near the halfway line and became entangled with the Spain striker.
After the match, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini criticised Chelsea’s “small team” mentality and said they played like Stoke City during their tense 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Much like last season’s masterful 1-0 win at the same venue, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho opted to play three midfielders to negate City’s array of attacking players.
Ramires replaced Oscar and started alongside Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas to counter the hosts midfield which contained powerhouse Yaya Toure, the creative David Silva and the energetic pair of James Milner and Fernandinho.
Pellegrini, however, was critical of Chelsea’s tactics.
“It is not a result that I want, not what we deserved but the game was very similar to the game against Stoke,” the Chilean told the BBC. “Ten players defended their own half, they scored a counter attack and they continued to defend until the end. The result is not what both teams did during 90 minutes.
“I am happy because our team played in one way, we continued playing with 11 players, trying to score, and with one player less trying not to have another counter attack and concede a goal. I am very happy with the mentality of our team,” he added in reference to Pablo Zabaleta’s 66th-minute dismissal.
“It is so important to play like a big team, and not like a small team. I would not be happy to play that way. We continue with the same ambition, teams will find it hard to beat us. The team performance was very good.
When asked for his reaction to Pellegrini’s assessment of Chelsea’s performance, an irritated Mourinho said: “Many times he says he doesn’t speak about me or my team but he continues to do so. Don’t ask me about these words.”
Sky Sports UK pundit Gary Neville said master-tactician Mourinho was right to change Chelsea’s approach and thinks their adaptability will see them win the Premier League title.
“They’re adaptable and they have to be. They’ve come here today and they pay respect to their opposition, they change. That’s what the top sides have to do. They have to go to grounds and adapt to how they play.
“Mourinho does that and Chelsea are able to take their instructions on board. They’re experienced enough and intelligent enough to be able to do it and that’s what the top teams are. They don’t just go out and play their same game every week. That’s why they are a top side and that’s why I think they will win the league.” – Reuters, AFP