Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Lamps hopes goal is pivotal

19 Jan 2009 - 13:37:53

Click To Enlarge

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is hoping his dramatic late winner in Saturday's 2-1 success over Stoke City can be a defining moment in their season.

The Blues were trailing 1-0 with two minutes left on the clock at Stamford Bridge before Juliano Belletti and Lampard struck to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The stunning three-point haul kept Chelsea within touching distance of the top two and maintained their faltering title push.

"There are pivotal moments in seasons where you think 'Will this change something'?" Lampard told the club's official website.

"This could be a turning point as long as we follow through with it and be a bit more ruthless in front of goal.

"I had countless shots and there were a couple of great saves from the keeper, a couple whizzed wide, but my eyes lit up when it fell to me and I caught it pretty sweet."

Meanwhile, Lampard has explained the reason why he ran to the technical area to celebrate the late drama with coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The Brazilian coach has come under fire in recent weeks on the back of Chelsea's inconsistent form.

"The manager is a very good man and has been a very successful manager for a long time," Lampard continued.

"Hopefully that success is going to come here. The last month has been difficult - we make one mistake and we are punished every game.

"I've always had special bonds (with managers), with Harry (Redknapp), my uncle, and then (Claudio) Ranieri bought me. Everyone knows how I felt about (Jose) Mourinho and Avram Grant helped me in a very difficult time of my life.

"The same with Scolari, so not to pat myself on the back but I try and work hard and produce for them as much as I can.

"All that matters is what the manager and the Chelsea fans think."