Lampard eases pressure on AVB

THEIR relationship has been far from affectionate, but Andre Villas-Boas owes Frank Lampard a debt of gratitude after the midfielder’s last-gasp strike eased the mounting pressure on his manager.

With just a minute of normal time remaining, Lampard, often downgraded from protagonist to supporting cast by Villas-Boas, spared Chelsea and their manager further strife with the goal which earned them a first victory in five Premier League matches.

Anything but three points would have been unthinkable for the 34-year-old, who awoke yesterday to further rumours of dressing room unrest over his tactics and man management.