Frank you and goodnight... Blues so in tune at No.1
AFTER two and half years, Frank Lampard finally got the chance to say a proper goodbye, his voice cracking as he saluted all corners of Stamford Bridge. Three-piece-suited, holding the interval microphone like an old crooner, he told the faithful how important they had been to him and to the success he enjoyed here. He loved them all. Then, he retook his seat and watched a Chelsea team that is stamped with every single hallmark of the one Lampard graced. The one that won back-to-back titles in the mid-noughties. This title is done and dusted in deep blue and Lampard would have loved what he saw. It will have reminded him of every facet
of that dominant team. There is a statistical uncanniness, for a start. On only three occasions in the 22 seasons since the Premier League became a 20-team competition has a side amassed more points after 26 games than this Chelsea edition.
Manchester United in 2012/13 and Frank’s Chelsea of 04/05 and 05/06.
At this stage of 04/05, Chelsea had won 20, had 65 points and were nine points clear.
At this stage of 05/06, Chelsea had won 21, had 66 points and were 12 points clear.
Today, they have won 20, have 63 points and are 11 points clear.
In both 04/05 and 05/06, a May coronation was inevitable before March had introduced itself. They eventually won the title by nine points and 12 points.
The margin of Antonio Conte’s triumph could well be more emphatic.
Because what Lampard saw were so many elements of what made up the best teams of his Stamford Bridge era.
The talismanic striker in Diego Costa, whose contemptuous volley for the third was almost an irritated rebuke to himself for the unusual mediocrity that had preceded it.
The unpredictability of Pedro, whose strike to reclaim the lead owed most to Lukas Fabianski’s carelessness but a crucial little to his sharp imagination and movement.
The midfield scoring threat of Cesc Fabregas, struggles to get a start but is a danger when he does, marking his 300th Premier League appearance with a stabbed opener and an assist – the 102nd of that Premier League career. That is now joint-second in the list … with Lampard.
The destructive and constructive presence of N’golo Kante, dominating the deep areas of midfield as a matter of routine.
The slaloming brilliance of Eden Hazard and the general solidity of Gary Cahill, not to blame for Fernando Llorente being free to head in Swansea’s first-half equaliser.
For those players, think of the likes of Didier Drogba, Joe Cole (who played a bigger part than some recall), Lampard himself, Claude Makelele, Arjen Robben and John Terry.
On many occasions, they looked like a complete team back then.
On many occasions, they look like a complete team in this era.
They committed just one significant mistake, allowing Llorente that space, and enjoyed just one moment of fortune, referee Neil Swarbrick missing Cesar Azpilicueta’s obvious handball when the scoreline was one apiece.
It probably would not have mattered. Chelsea were so much stronger, so much sharper, for so much of the contest. And in the end, it was entirely routine, just like it was so often in Lampard’s days.
No wonder Conte could share an extended applause exchange with the adoring gathering.
Conte ended his post-match conference by paying tribute to Lampard.
He’s a legend, he said – if he gets to hang around for a decent while, Antonio might be making one of himself. MATCH REPORT: SEE PULL-OUT