Neither team wanted to lose, says Lampard

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes a mutual fear of defeat stopped either Manchester United or the Blues making the breakthrough in a goalless draw at Old Trafford last night.

The Premier League title rivals could not be separated in David Moyes’ first home game as United manager and Lampard feels the status of the game as a “big decider” kept both sets of players from taking risks.

He said: “It was tense. People talk about big decider games early in the season and neither team wants to lose. It was a bit of a stalemate in those terms.