Another goal for Lampard as Chelsea win

Chelsea 2-0 Swansea

Frank Lampard scored his 201st Chelsea goal to move to within one of Bobby Tambling’s club record as the Blues boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

Lampard, a 24th-minute substitute for the injured Ramires, was instrumental in the victory, teeing up Oscar to strike the opener and then coolly slotting home a penalty.

The quickfire double just before the break put Chelsea in total control and enabled them to gain some measure of revenge for the defeat against the Swans in the Capital One Cup semi-finals.

Rafael Benitez’s side, with John Terry and Gary Cahill in commanding form in central defence, never looked in danger against a team they had failed to beat in three previous meetings this season.

Swansea stuck to their defensive set-up and looked to hit the Blues on the break, but barely threatened.

The hosts dominated possession and territory during the opening half and Demba Ba tested Michel Worm with a shot from distance and Ba and the lively Oscar both had shots blocked.

But Lampard’s introduction brought greater control in the centre of midfield and Chelsea started to create chances.

David Luiz headed well wide, Lampard forced a fine low save from Worm and Cahill wastefully headed over from six yards.

The pressure told after 43 minutes, when Lampard’s clever pass found Oscar on the right and the Brazilian smashed a low shot into the far corner.

And in first-half injury time it was 2-0 when Lampard converted from the spot after Leon Britton bundled over Juan Mata.

After the interval, Swansea played with far greater urgency and intent but failed to make the most of some promising situations – including a dreadful pass by Lampard.

However, Chelsea still created the better openings with Worm making an incredible save to keep out Ba’s fierce strike and Mata dragging a shot narrowly wide and also curling a late effort past the post.

Lampard desperately sought a 202nd Blues goal and should have done better when put through on the left, and also had a late volley blocked.

It meant Tambling, who was introduced to the crowd at the break and was given a fantastic reception, retains the club record for now.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Azpilicueta, Cole, Terry, Cahill; Luiz, Ramires (Lampard 24); Oscar, Mata, Hazard; Ba.
Subs not used: Turnbull, Ivanovic, Torres, Mikel Benayoun, Bertrand.

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