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Premier League Recap: Chelsea Haunted By Ex-Skipper Lampard

Nick Barbarino |
September 21, 2014 | 10:45 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

Chelsea's hopes of maintaining a perfect record were dashed by a familiar face. Former skipper and long time Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard scored a stunning equalizer shortly after coming on as a substitute for Aleksander Kolarov. Lampard was the beneficiary of beautiful midfield play that ended with a cross from James Milner that the 36-year old netted home.

Although Chelsea were playing a man up for a considerable amount of time, they never took full advantage of their opportunities. Chelsea entered the game unbeaten in four games and looked set for a fifth straight victory after substitute Andre Schurrle opened the scoring in the 71st minute. However, Chelsea could not capitilize and put themselves five points atop the Premier League table.

The Blues had hoped to continue their hot start but manager Jose Mourinho will have to be content with a draw after playing so abysmally for the better part of an hour. Before Pablo Zabaleta's dismissal in the 66th minute, Man City dominated possession and controlled the tempo but failed to convert on early chances as both Yaya Toure and Eden Dzeko missed early headers. In-form Chelsea striker Diego Costa, whose seven goals in four games lead the league, was kept in check by City stopper Vincent Kompany, arguably the best central defender the Spanish forward has faced thus far. 

Around The League

Manchester United's disaster start continued as their defensive issues were exposed in a 5-3 loss to newly promoted side Leicester City. The Red Devils have claimed only five points in their first five games and have yet to gel under new boss Louis Van Gaal. Despite a positive win last week, United gave up four straight goals as they continue to struggle with consistency. 

Arsenal had another strong showing as they comfortably defeated Aston Villa by scoring three goals in the span of four minutes. Newly acquired striker Danny Welbeck opened his Arsenal account by scoring in his debut. The defeat marked the first for a surprising Aston Villa side led by American keeper Brad Guzan. 

Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton all suffered loses as their dismal starts continued. The three teams, which were all in the top six last season, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, with the closest sitting six points behind league leaders Chelsea.

Chelsea currently sit three points clear at the top with 13, followed by Southhampton, Aston Villa and Arsenal. Chelsea have been by far the best team so far this season, outscoring their opponents by nine goals in five games. The Blues will look to get back on track next week when they take on third place Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. 

Fixture Results

Chelsea 1-1 Manchester City

QPR 2-2 Stoke City

Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa

Burnley 0-0 Sunderland

Newcastle United 2-2 Hull City

Swansea City 0-1 Southampton

West Ham 3-1 Liverpool

Leceister City 5-3 Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspurs 0-1 West Brom

Everton 2-3 Crystal Palace

Reach Staff Reporter Nick Barbarino via e-mail here.



 

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