Lampard’s Chelsea face Ajax at Stamford Bridge tonight, knowing a repeat of their victory in Amsterdam two weeks ago should put them within touching distance of the Champions League knockout stages.

Daniel Storey looks back at the opening weekend of Premier League action.

There are two definitions of ‘charisma’ in the dictionary - and while Jose Mourinho may prefer the description as a ‘divinely conferred power or talent’, we're sticking to the more traditional understanding of the word - a ‘compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others’.

The cartwheel-backflip celebration was as good as the goal too!

New Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says his side won’t be judged by the standard set by his all-conquering side, but he does expect them to match that team’s tireless work ethic.

One of Lampard’s greatest skills is his effortless communication skills.

I remember seeing a clip once of Harry Redknapp having some sort of open forum with a large room full of West Ham fans.

In the run up to yesterday’s game, there was a lot of talk of the game five years ago — the famous Stevie G slip-up game. The media pondered whether history could repeat itself.

Middlesbrough manager Pulis is plotting the downfall of Derby boss Lampard ahead of Saturday's meeting at the Riverside Stadium.

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes believes Jose Mourinho retains the full backing of both the club and their supporters.

Jose Mourinho insists he relishes the pressure cup competitions can create as he seeks to draw a line under another turbulent weekend at Manchester United.

Yet again the talk surrounding England as they approach a major tournament is marooned somewhere between hope and hype but Damien Duff has questioned whether Gareth Southgate’s players have the commitment required to make a mark at the World Cup.

Frank Lampard has worked under Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink, and Manuel Pellegrini during a glittering playing career.

Weeks of pre-season conjecture and speculation were finally put to rest last week, as millions of FPL managers worldwide tinkered their last.

Chelsea will reach a big moment in their history when they arrive at Wembley today not just because of the opportunity to complete a ‘Double’ but because it marks the first game in a new era without captain John Terry, the man behind so much of their modern success. So, the big question is who will step up to replace him?

Robbie Keane is determined to play on for at least another 18 months and is considering options in England and further afield.

Every great tournament has its rising stars. Here are ten who could really shine

In the past seven days we have seen the very best and the very worst that this team has to offer. 

The loss at Everton had the feeling of a game too far for the fans. The air of resignation which had met many of the losses this season was replaced by anger.

Rio Ferdinand thinks Manchester United would be taking a risk if they appointed Ryan Giggs as their next manager.

Jose Mourinho has gone but in truth, little has changed on the pitch. We may be unbeaten but we’re not winning many either, and this run has only seen us go up a measly three places in the Premier League.

Patrick Vieira was presented with the Football Writers' Association tribute award in London last night and an old foe provided a glowing testimony to the Frenchman's greatness.

When Roman sacked Mourinho, he effectively took a gamble, a big gamble. He gambled on the team rediscovering their form once that big, bad bully Jose had gone. 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes football can still learn a thing or two from the team ethics of rugby union.

You can’t take anything away from Everton — they personified the word “tenacious” in every area. They made us look little more than an average Premier League team. Us looking little more than an average team is becoming a bit of a habit.

City looked immense. They were physical, skilful, pacey and on their game in every position.

The LA Galaxy, in third in the MLS table, saw off bottom side Colorado Rapids with a 3-1 comeback win after Marcelo Sarvas had given the hosts the lead.

Former England midfield duo Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard admitted they were raring to get their Major League Soccer debuts under their belts for the Los Angeles Galaxy and the New York City FC respectively this month.

Never mind these bandwagon-jumping Johnny-come-latelys at Red Bull and New York City, true Big Apple sawker fans get behind the revived New York Cosmos and Pele’s old club have made this week’s box-office signing.

West Ham were left red-faced on Thursday night as their Europa League victory over FC Lusitans was over-shadowed by claims of a lack of respect from new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic.

Frank Lampard is heading to the United States expecting his old clubs to remain as the Premier League’s top two.

Manchester City 2 Southampton 0: Frank Lampard brought his glittering career in English football to an end in fitting fashion with a goal as City wrapped up their Barclays Premier League campaign with a sixth successive win.

As I watched John Terry hold that Premier League trophy aloft it struck me how lucky we have been as fans in the last 10 years — not in terms of success — that goes without saying, but more in terms of the players that we have had the privilege of calling our own.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City 6 QPR 0: Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick as QPR slumped to relegation with a whimper in an embarrassing 6-0 defeat at Manchester City.

Tottenham 0 Man City 1: Manuel Pellegrini took a fresh swipe at Chelsea’s win at all costs approach on a painful afternoon for the dethroned champions.

MANCHESTER CITY 3 ASTON VILLA 2: SHOWING far more impressive defensive instincts than those displayed by his players during the preceding 90 minutes, Manuel Pellegrini launched his most articulate and spirited analysis yet of a season of under-achievement at the Etihad.

FRANK Lampard concedes the day of reckoning is nigh for Manuel Pellegrini and his under-achieving Manchester City stars, but the veteran former Chelsea midfielder is not prepared to write off his manager just yet.

The great players enjoy more space and more time than the mere mortals and that goal summed up what Villa can expect this year in this league.