Lampard keeps Chelsea buoyant as Reds sink QPR
Sunday, December 30, 2012
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There were conflicting emotions on Merseyside as Liverpool FC eased to victory while Frank Lampard ensured Everton FC had no reward for their bright start against Chelsea FC.
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Frank Lampard was at his predatory best, scoring twice as Chelsea FC recovered from a sluggish start to end Everton FC's formidable home run and move back to third in the Premier League.
The 34-year-old headed in Ramires' cross just before half-time, cancelling out Steven Pienaar's opener for the hosts after just 62 seconds. Everton had enjoyed the better possession before the equaliser, with Victor Anichebe and Nikica Jelavić hitting the woodwork, but Lampard went on to secure the points for Chelsea.
Jelavić first hit the frame of the goal a second time, his header beating Ross Turnbull – a half-time replacement for the injured Petr Čech – though not the bar. Three minutes later Lampard set the visitors on course for their fourth successive league win, volleying in after Juan Mata's initial effort had been palmed back into the danger area.
The reward for ending Everton's 14-match unbeaten sequence at Goodison was a return to third spot, four points behind Manchester City FC with a game in hand. Liverpool FC ensured one half of Merseyside go into the new year on a high as they beat bottom side Queens Park Rangers FC in the later kick-off, Luis Suárez scoring twice in a 3-0 win in west London.