Lampard again plays leading role for Blues

Chelsea 2 Swansea City 0

Introduced when Ramires was forced out of the game with a leg injury after 24 minutes, Lampard injected much-needed energy into a hitherto tepid Blues performance, setting up Oscar’s 44th minute opener before killing off the game in first half added time with a penalty.

The goal guaranteed the victory that put Benitez’s side in control of the three-way battle to fill the two remaining Champions League places. It also took Lampard’s Chelsea tally to 201 goals, one short of the club record held by Bobby Tambling who looked on from the Main Stand.

Whether Lampard manages to equal or even surpass Tambling’s mark before he leaves the club when his contract expires at the end of the season remains to be seen. It is increasingly likely though, that the player will depart with the club in the Champions League.

Confidence is growing at Stamford Bridge and this win came on the back of Thursday’s first leg victory in Basel in the Europa League semi-final. Now sitting third, three points clear of Tottenham and point ahead of Arsenal who have played a game more, Chelsea’s chances of finishing in the top four rest in their own hands although next Sunday’s trip to Manchester United could signal another twist in a saga Benitez believes will not be resolved until the final day of the season.

“If nothing happens different or special, it could be until the last game against Everton,” said the interim manager. “We have to do our job, manage the squad, playing this attacking football we played in the second half with combinations. We’ll be okay.”

They will certainly be okay if their future opponents offer similarly timid resistance. Michael Laudrup’s side have nothing left to play for and, after the exhilaration of winning their first major trophy, are running on empty. And the fact it was Mark Clattenburg’s first return to Stamford Bridge since accused, and subsequently cleared of racially abusing John Mikel Obi in the October defeat to Manchester United, passed off largely without further controversy – on another day both Cesar Azpilcueta and Ashley Williams might have been shown red cards for fouls — only added to the sense of satisfaction for the home side.

“It’s always good to win,” added Benitez.

“Two goals, a clean sheet, at this stage of the season after so many games is pleasing.”

The Spaniard also had reason to be pleased with Lampard’s contribution that was played out to the now familiar chants of ‘sign him up’ from supporters keen for him to be offered a new contract.

“Frank is a great player,” said Benitez.

“I’m really pleased he’s scored another goal, and hopefully he will score five between now and the end of the season and he’ll be much happier.

“He’s a good player with quality. If you’re controlling with possession, he can have an influence. I was talking before the game, saying he had to be ready, but he’s a great professional. Always focused. He understands the priority is to qualify for the Champions League. He wants to play, but he understands the team is first.”

Collecting the ball from John Terry – who was making his first appearance since announcing his desire to return to international football with England — Lampard set up Oscar for the opening goal, with the Brazilian beating Swansea keeper Michel Vorm with an angled right-footed shot.

Moments later, he kept his nerve to convert from the penalty spot after Juan Mata had been tripped by Leon Britton. The second goal was devastating for Swansea who never recovered.

“For the first 40 minutes it was a game without too many chances,” said Laudrup. “Then there was five crazy minutes, two goals, changed the game completely at the end of the first half. They have the individual skills that change the game in nothing. That’s why you pay so much money for some players.”