Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1
Frank Lampard saluted Chelsea’s fans as the Blues preserved their five-point Premier League lead with a tense draw against champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Loic Remy, in for the suspended Diego Costa, scored on 41 minutes but David Silva equalised four minutes later for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Lampard’s 76th minute introduction was applauded by most of the home crowd and the ex-Chelsea midfielder received a standing ovation at the end.
Lampard said: “I have to do my best when I come on the pitch and try and do all I can as best as I can, but I was delighted with the reception from both sets of fans.
“Chelsea fans, quite rightly, get behind their team and they showed complete class at the end by giving me an ovation.
“I’m pleased for that moment because I didn’t get that at the back end of last year. I managed to have that moment today and I can be thankful for that.”
Chelsea v Man City. #cfc #Lampard pic.twitter.com/VrPGE5zXFq
— Graham Chadwick (@GChadwick_) January 31, 2015
Remy broke the deadlock after Branislav Ivanovic floated a ball to Eden Hazard who squared for the French striker to score from six yards.
But Silva responded just before half-time, deflecting Sergio Aguero’s shot past Thibaut Courtois after the Chelsea keeper failed to clear Jesus Navas’s cross.
City had the best of a cagey second half with Fernandinho’s downward header bouncing awkwardly towards Courtois who scrambled back to palm it behind.
Chelsea mustered only two shots on target, and clearly missed the creative thrust of the injured Cesc Fabregas alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield.
Matic said: “City showed they are a strong team. I’m happy with how we played. The last 20 minutes today we felt a little bit tired.
“We had some chances, they had some chances. Five points difference, we are happy for that and I hope it will continue.”
