Lampard the hero in Chelsea victory

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Everton 1 Chelsea 2

Frank Lampard underlined his case for a new contract by scoring both Chelsea’s goals as they came from behind to win at Goodison Park.

Steven Pienaar gave Everton the lead after only two minutes but Lampard headed his team level shortly before the interval and then netted a 72nd-minute winner.

With speculation over his future as he approaches the end of his current deal, Lampard highlighted his continued importance to Chelsea, who were caused plenty of problems.

Pienaar put David Moyes’ men ahead, following up to fire home after Victor Anichebe’s header from Phil Jagielka’s right-wing cross had bounced back off the post.

Everton hit the post again six minutes later, this time when Nikica Jelavic’s free-kick almost doubled their lead.

Keeper Petr Cech also had to come to the Blues’ rescue, palming away Leon Osman’s shot and later denying Jelavic as the home side continued to dominate.

Chelsea were able to welcome back Ramires, who returned from a knee problem to replace John Mikel Obi in midfield.

Lampard and Eden Hazard also returned to the starting line-up, with Oscar and Victor Moses dropping back to the bench.

The European champions barely troubled Everton for most of the first half but they did liven up shortly before the break, and Juan Mata had an effort well saved by keeper Tim Howard.

Mata then delivered a low cross to the far post, where Ashley Cole was just unable to connect.

Chelsea eventually equalised when Lampard headed in Ramires’ cross.

They then had to make a change at half-time, with Cech – who was making his 400th Chelsea appearance – unable to continue because of an ankle injury.

He was replaced by Ross Turnbull, who was grateful to see Jelavic’s header from Leighton Baines’ cross hit the bar.

That proved to be a pivotal moment in the match, as three minutes later Lampard scored his second.

The England midfielder pounced on the loose ball after Howard had managed to keep out Mata’s shot.

Chelsea: Cech (Turnbull 45), Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole, Ramires, Luiz, Lampard, Mata (Oscar 85), Torres, Hazard (Moses 74).
Subs not used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Marin, Piazon, Ake.

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