Mata makes the difference

Frank Lampard may be leaving Stamford Bridge for a new career elsewhere, with Los Angeles the most likely destination, but Juan Mata has made it clear you can still expect the Chelsea midfield to contribute plenty of goals in the future.

This game was the Spaniard’s 50th for Chelsea in the Premier League and he marked it with his 13th goal in that competition. Throw in an additional 20 assists for a side that won its previous game 8-0 and you have statistics that Lampard, on his way out either next month or at the end of the season, according to who you believe (the latter seems much more likely), would be pleased to possess.

“The Premier League has a lot of good players and Mata is one of the best for sure,” said manager Rafa Benitez after his side had cut the gap between his side and second-placed Manchester City to four points. “Even without the ball he is working really hard and when we are in possession he is making a difference. He has clever movements. He can play deeper, can go to the right into spaces and that is hard for defenders to manage. He is a player who has mobility.”