Lampard shines in Chelsea success

By Kevin Palmer, Stamford Bridge, May 9, 2010

It was fitting that Chelsea captain John Terry shared the glorious task of lifting the Premier League trophy aloft with the man who has done the most to ensure the sparkling crown returned to Stamford Bridge.

PA Photos Frank Lampard scores from the penalty spot

As Carlo Ancelotti's euphoric Chelsea revelled in a title party to remember, one man stood head and shoulders above the rest as the true hero of this Premier League season, with Frank Lampard's unblemished reputation enhanced as he remained the constant heartbeat of the champions in their oft troubled campaign.

Following a ten-month effort that saw scandal flow in Chelsea's direction with as much regularity as goals and victories, the one constant source of decency and brilliance has been the midfielder whose contribution is often dismissed with a little too much abandon.

Lampard may not have the speed, heading ability, star quality or glamour of some who tend to dominate the headlines for the right or wrong reasons, but he deserves to be recognised as a modern day footballer who offers the complete package. To top it all, his class is covered by his desire to blend into the crowd rather than stand out as the superstar. It is a quality some of his shamed team-mates could learn plenty from.

In truth, the destiny of this season's title was never in doubt as Wigan were no match for a Chelsea side that showed few signs of nerves on a day when they needed to add the finishing touch to their complex Premier League tale and the Blues duly completed their task with savage efficiency.

Goals from Nicolas Anelka (2), a Lampard penalty, Salomon Kalou and a Drogba hat-trick were complimented by Ashley Cole's final flourish in injury time, with Lampard's determination to assist his team-mate in his pursuit for the Premier League's top scorer title seeing him hand the second penalty to the moody Drogba, after he had looked rather angry to have missed out on the first.

"A lot of people questioned whether this team was too old at the start of the season, but we have provided them with the perfect answer today," was Lampard's verdict. "To win the title after three years is a fantastic feeling and we have proved we are a great team. No-one can say we don't deserve the title."

I was in attendance as Terry's world caved in around him and Manchester City secured a 4-2 victory on an afternoon of bitter recriminations at Stamford Bridge in the last week of February and at that moment, it seemed as if the reckless actions of the man charged with leading Chelsea were set to terminally derail his team's title challenge.

It's easy to forget that the Terry/Wayne Bridge scandal that dominated the headlines at a crucial point in this season came close to destroying the ambitions of Ancelotti's trophy hunt on a variety of fronts not so long ago and, in those dark moments, the true leader of this side emerged from the embarrassing mess, with Lampard's refusal to offer vocal support for his beleaguered colleague in his hour of need proof that he had little sympathy for his antics.

When Ashley Cole got in on the act with his high profile separation after more high-profile infidelities, Ancelotti could have been forgiven for wondering whether his biggest battle at Chelsea was trying to keep his own dressing room in order, so he must appreciate more than most the persistent brilliance of Lampard and the Blues No.8 continued to deliver as this decisive chapter of this thrilling season was played out. He finishes with 22 league goals to his credit and hero status assured for eternity.

Not even the most blinkered of Manchester United or Arsenal fans would argue that the side who broke the record for most goals scored in a Premier League season and who won the games that mattered in this unpredictable campaign are the cream of increasingly unconvincing crop in a league, but whose status as the best in Europe may well be slipping.

We haven't seen too many Premier League champions who have lost to Wigan and dropped points against a woeful Hull side and yet thus has been the fascination of this captivating ten-month story. The occasional incompetence of the previously flawless 'top four' has added to our excitement, yet it is has become impossible to disguise the reality that the standard has dipped in the English top flight this season.

It took just six minutes of this game for Chelsea to strike the goal that all-but confirmed the title would be theirs, with woeful Wigan defending allowing Nicolas Anelka to smash home from close range and the muted nature of his celebrations suggested the nerves that can exist on days such as this were never an issue for Ancelotti's men.

"Only ask me easy questions please because my levels of wine are high," said a suitably giddy Ancelotti as he met the press, bedecked in a Chelsea scarf and giggling to confirm he had consumed a little too much alcohol during the on pitch celebrations.

"I am so happy to win this title. I want to thank my owner Roman Abramovich, everyone who support me every day and most of all I want to thank my players. They work so hard every day, have maintained a good atmosphere as a team and we have deserved to win this title. Everyone did a fantastic job and this is a great moment for me. We are champions of the best league in the world. It could not be better.

PA Photos Chelsea crack the champagne out to celebrate their title win

"Maybe I am a magician, but I don't think so. I owe this success to my team as despite all the problems, I didn't have a lot of difficulty with this team. Sure, John Terry had some difficult moments this season, but I had the support of everyone at the club and that helped me. We will celebrate with more wine now. It never happens that I get drunk so this is a special day! Hopefully it is the first of many titles for me at Chelsea."

Ancelotti has every right to delight in keeping his ship afloat while some of the crew did their best to rock it and the Chelsea fans were cheering his name with more gusto than ever before as he achieved his first major triumph as the club's manager. Equalling Jose Mourinho's achievement in winning the title in his first season, this was a great day for the Italian coach.

Yet when you try to identify the shining star amid his team of champions, one conductor rises to the front. Terry may want to believe his imminent entry into the exclusive club of English Double winning skippers should earn him iconic status forever more, but Lampard is far more worthy of a sacred spot among the modern game's greats.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Frank Lampard

Didier Drogba's hat-trick earned him the Premier League's Golden Boot for this season, but a bulk of the assists in this game came from the brilliant Lampard. Few give him the credit he deserves, so we will offer him the plaudits on this occasion.

PAYING THE PENALTY: Drogba was furious as Lampard stepped up to take the penalty that gave Chelsea their second goal. He wanted to take the spot kick in his pursuit of the Premier League's golden boot and was not interested in the consoling efforts of team-mate Nicolas Anelka. The Drogba sulk continued for some time as he suggested self interest is his ambition and not team glory.

COLE FAREWELL: The Chelsea fans did their best to cheer out-of contract Joe Cole's name at every opportunity as they left the player and club in little doubt that they want him to stay at Chelsea. Time will tell whether this was his Stamford Bridge farewell.

CHELSEA VERDICT: Worthy champions and the only surprise is that they didn't wrap it up long before the final day of the season. This ageing team is not without its flaws, but they confirmed themselves as Premier League kings in the grandest manner.

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