Lampard praises resilient Blues

STEADFASTLY ignoring the hubris surrounding John Terry, Frank Lampard was more intent on turning the spotlight on the critics who had predicted Chelsea’s attempt to end Manchester United’s three-season stranglehold on the Premier League would be fatally undermined by the African League of Nations.

Rather than see their challenge crumble due to the absence of four key performers during the tournament, which reached its denouement in Angola yesterday, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have won six games on the bounce.

Chelsea can stretch their advantage at the summit when they return to action in a rearranged fixture at Hull City tomorrow with Ivory Coast duo Didier Drogba, their 19-goal top scorer, and Salomon Kalou set to return.