Last-gasp Lamps Keeps Chelsea On Upward Curve

Frank Lampard’s added-time winner ensured manager Guus Hiddink marked his first home league game with a victory and lifted Chelsea above Liverpool into second spot in the Premier League.

Hiddink had steered his new side to victories over Aston Villa and Juventus since succeeding Luiz Felipe Scolari on a temporary basis, but his winning run appeared set to end when Olivier Kapo’s 81st minute effort cancelled out John Terry’s 25th minute opening goal.

But as so often during a troubled season, it was Lampard who came to his side’s rescue, heading home from close range in the 91st minute to move Chelsea to within seven points of leaders Manchester United and maintain their slender hopes in the title race.

Hiddink had criticised his new players after the midweek Champions League victory over Juventus, accusing them of sitting too deep and failing to capitalise on Didier Drogba’s first half goal.

And it appeared as though his words had fallen on deaf ears as Steve Bruce’s visiting side fought back in a bid to press their own hopes of qualifying for a place in next season’s UEFA Cup.

But Hiddink’s impact at Stamford Bridge has already been felt and a third successive win under the new manager strengthened belief that there is much more to come from the London club during the final weeks of the campaign.

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