'Lamps' lights up famous Chelsea night
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Article summary
Chelsea FC team-mates hailed "a big player" after Frank Lampard emerged from a fog of grief to play a starring role in Wednesday's win against Liverpool FC.
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Impressive character
Joe Cole said it was remarkable that Lampard was even involved in the game. "I've known Frank a long time, I know the type of fellow he is, and I don't think he gets enough plaudits," said Cole. "He's a great player and a great man. I can't really put into words what I feel about him as a man to even be out there playing and then to give the performance he did and then take that penalty and score. To do that at a time when this has happened to his family, I take my hat off to him."
Fitting gesture
Petr Čech said that scoring the penalty was a fitting way for the midfielder to honour his mother. "Frank took the decision to play the game which was brave," said the goalkeeper. "On the other hand it was the best for him to get the penalty and score the goal, maybe the decisive goal, and then to celebrate as he did. She was great for him and it was good that he could honour her. I am delighted for everyone with this win but especially for Frank because it has been a difficult time for him."
Thrilling performance
There may have been fears among Chelsea fans that the England midfielder was not ready for the ordeal of such a big game but that was immediately dispelled in the way he settled into the contest. Lampard set up an early chance for Didier Drogba and then drilled the pass which put Salomon Kalou away in the 33rd minute, Drogba following up his team-mate's shot to score the opening goal.
Pressure moment
As the recipient of so many assists from him over recent seasons, Drogba appreciates the full range of Lampard's qualities. He said: "To take a penalty like this one, very crucial for this game, only Frank Lampard can do it. Only big, big players like him can do it. But he felt all the club was behind him and that is fantastic.
'Honestly unbelievable'
"To play a Champions League semi-final after something like that is the mark of a big player," Drogba added. "He stayed calm, he took his time and he played a great match. He is one of the greatest midfielders in the world." Chelsea captain John Terry added: "The character he has shown tonight, not only playing but stepping up to take that penalty for his family is honestly unbelievable."
