Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea star Frank Lampard eyes a United slip-up in race for the title
Frank Lampard has begun to specialise in snatching victory at the last minute and believes Chelsea [LNB]still have a chance of doing the same in the title race. [LNB]Exactly 12 months ago, Chelsea were trailing Manchester United[LNB]by the same seven-point margin they do now and in the end only lost out in the final game of the season. [LNB]There are some differences to the run-in this time, notably Chelsea don't have the opportunity to claw three points back by beating Sir Alex Ferguson's side, as they did last April. The defending champions also have a game in hand. [LNB] Optimist: Lampard hasn't given up hope of clinching the league title[LNB]However, United showed they could crack under pressure when Chelsea began to close the gap last term and now that the club are on an even keel again following the arrival of new boss Guus Hiddink, Lampard feels top spot is not out of reach. [LNB]'We closed the gap last year and only fell a little bit short, the gap can close,' the midfielder said. 'Considering the crisis everyone says we're having this season, we're still in second position. I know we're a fair distance behind Manchester United, but we'll keep going. [LNB] Chelsea 2 Wigan 1: Lampard keeps Hiddink heading for second best[LNB]Jamie Redknapp's weekend watch: Ray of sunshine lights up the Bridge[LNB]It can be done! Sportsmail proves that every Premier League club can field an English XI[LNB]CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB]'There are a lot of points still available, although to be fair to Manchester United they have been on a fantastic run, whether that will keep going I don't know. [LNB]'We have to believe it might not, worry about ourselves and keep getting as many points as possible. They could feel the pressure like they did last year when we were chasing them. You never know what can happen. [LNB]'They can't go on winning forever, one day they might start getting some penalty decisions against them at home. The luck can change and do so very quickly.' [LNB]Chelsea's fortunes certainly seem to have improved, with the club having secured four straight wins since Luiz Felipe Scolari's departure. [LNB]Lampard, who scored a late winner to beat Stoke in January, repeated the feat in Saturday's 2-1 win over Wigan to maintain their momentum. [LNB] Leading by example: Captain John Terry scores against Wigan[LNB]Hiddink has expressed concern over the status of the squad's fitness, yet it is an accusation that can't be levelled at the England international. As far as the midfielder is concerned, his team-mates shouldn't have any excuses for feeling the strain either. [LNB]'I feel very fit and I try and look after myself in training with the way I work. If every individual-does that, then you'll be fit enough. It's disappointing really. [LNB]'Fitness at this stage of the season shouldn't be something we are lacking in. We need to be fit if we are going to be able to do anything this year. [LNB]'The manager's a very clever man and was right to say what he did. He hasn't had long here and hasn't had long to make an impact, but he sees things very well. He's been there and done it with big teams.' [LNB]Hiddink has managed many top players during a coaching career spanning 37 years, but reveals Lampard and captain John Terry, who scored the opener on Saturday, have made a particularly big impression. [LNB]'The English core is very important. It is great to have two terrific professionals like them. I respected them before I came from a distance, but now I know them from very close and my respect has grown even more.'[LNB] Chelsea 2 Wigan 1: Lampard keeps Hiddink heading for second best[LNB]Jamie Redknapp's weekend watch: Ray of sunshine lights up the Bridge[LNB]It can be done! Sportsmail proves that every Premier League club can field an English XI[LNB]CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]
