A delighted Frank Lampard said he couldn’t have asked for any more from his team in last night’s FA Cup win over Liverpool, and the boss reserved special praise for a pair of players at different ends of their careers, Billy Gilmour and Pedro.
The Blues beat the runaway league leaders to book a place in the last eight of the Cup Lampard won four times as a Chelsea player.
A significant step was taken on the path to more glory in the competition courtesy of goals in each half from Willian and Ross Barkley, and a first clean sheet in almost two months.
“It was an impressive performance,” said Lampard. “It’s hard to be comprehensive against Liverpool because they remain in the game because of the team they are, but I can’t ask any for any more: the spirit, the work ethic, the quality.
“You have to defend really well to keep a clean sheet against them, and we did. We defended with everything, played well, and deserved to win the game.
“In the first two games against Liverpool we might have played some better football, and had more control of the ball, but today [last night] we had an extra spirit about us.
“We can compete with the big teams, but what wins or loses games is what you do in both boxes,” added Lampard.
Billy Gilmour’s impact
18-year-old Billy Gilmour put in a man-of-the-match performance in the surprise Chelsea’s victory and he got a commendation from the boss.
“I have absolute trust in Billy. I remember when he first came on against Sheffield United and we drew the game, people questioned this kid, but I have no problem with him.
“If he’s small in stature he’s huge in personality, and he’s also huge in talent. When I look at a midfield player I have lots of questions. Do you want to receive the ball in all positions and all moments? Yes, he does. Do you want to make angles and pick the right pass? Yes, he generally does. Will you put your foot in? Yes, he does.
“He does all the right things, and he’s humble. All his family were here tonight, his nan and grandad were down from Scotland, and what a performance. It wasn’t just as a youngster coming into the team, that’s one level, he performed like a top-class player going up against top-class players. It was a great night for Billy.
“He showed he is absolutely comfortable at this level. I’m the first not to get carried away, but if he can play like he played tonight then he’s comfortable at this level. He can get himself in and around the team. The players know that, they sense good players.
“He has trained with us all year. He moved from Academy to first team building recently, trains with us all the time and started against Liverpool because of how good a player he is. He put in an immaculate performance, a brilliant performance.”
Pedro stars on his 200th appearance for club
Pedro was another player who stood out on his 200th appearance for the club since moving from Barcelona.
Though, he didn’t score in the match, his all round play impressed the gaffer.
“He was outstanding in work ethic and players look up to him because of what he has done. He is always a goal threat. In terms of the season, parts have been difficult. He was in the team at the start, then got injured, then got out, but what he’s shown, particularly in recent weeks, is a real desire to be the best trainer, look sharp, be hungry, give advice and give the young players around him a lift with his body language.
“If he carries on like tonight [last night], he can be very important for us for the rest of the season. He’s an infectious player, has consistent work-rate, can always do things with the ball, and gives everything for the team,” Lampard said of one of his old guards.
