Lampard the Legend – The Best Moments

We are at the Season’s end, one which has certainly produced a bitter climax with the likes of Xavi, Gerrard and Lampard calling it a day.

One player in specific has certainly been in the shadows, not quite basking in farewell glories as he should be; Yes, he’s the Golden Boy of Chelsea, “Frank James Lampard”.

“Lampard from distance, and what a goal”

“Ball into the box and Lampaaard scoooores”

“What can Lampard do from this distance? What a goal!”

With his Top Flight days past him now (assuming he doesn’t make another return to the Premier League), we take a look back at Lampard’s top footballing moments ahead of his MLS adventure.

Chelsea player of the year 2004; Brace against Bolton

Chelsea was favorites to win the Barclays Premier League in the year 2004 and a win against Bolton would seal the deal for Jose Mourinho’s men. However a dominant first half performance by Bolton only hampered the celebrations until Lampard broke the shackles, before doubling his tally for the day. Two goals for the Midfielder, three points for Chelsea and the blues were the champions of England. Lampard’s fine goal scoring and play making performances earned him his first Chelsea Player of the Year.

Momma’s Boy

The 2008 Champions League Semi Final tie against Liverpool was an emotional one for Lampard. Being close to his mother, Lampard was still shaken by her demise. Score being 2-2, he took up the responsibility when Chelsea was awarded a penalty and scored the deciding goal that helped his team progress. An emotional Lampard was seen pointing up, dedicating the goal to his beloved mother.

FA cup 2009: Winning Goal

Chelsea vs Everton. With scores level at 1-1, Chelsea needed a bit of a magic to win the cup. Who better than the in-form midfielder to put them in front? Lampard struck a spectacular goal with his left foot towards the end of the final quarter of the game. It had to be the winning goal and Lampard rejoiced with a Frank Sr. influenced celebration.

Staggering Season: 09-10

The 2009-2010 season under Carlo Ancelotti had to be Lampard’s peak, with Chelsea winning the Premier League and FA cup double. The contributions by the Midfielder included 17 Assists and a spectacular tally of 27 goals which, for obvious reasons made him Chelsea’s Player of the Year, yet again.

Munich Calling

After a magical performance at Camp Nou, Chelsea kept marching into the finals of Champions League 2012. However a suspended John Terry meant that Lampard had to lead the team from front at Bayern’s own backyard. Chelsea won eventually, 4-3 in the penalty shootout with Lampard finding the back of the net. This had to be one of the most important moments as the boys in blue brought home their first ever Champions League trophy.

Etching the name above Sir Bobby

Lampard’s contract extension was unsure and with just a few matches left in the season, it was difficult to overcome Sir Bobby Tambling’s all time Chelsea record. But Lampard, doing what he does best – scoring goals at will, managed to get past the record with a 2nd half brace against Aston Villa on the 11th of May, 2013. A new Chelsea Football Club all time top goal scorer, and rightly so.

Hurt by one of their own?

With Chelsea on top since August, a win against Manchester City at the Etihad would surely have mounted pressure on the reigning champions. The lead for Chelsea came and for three quarters of the game City could not break the Chelsea defense. But Pellegrini made the master stroke and brought in Lampard. And what does Lampard do best? Score goals running into the box. So he did, stealing a point for the home team out of nowhere. He refused to celebrate the goal as it was against a team he loved more than anything. The game ended with both Home and travelling fans echoing Lampard’s name.

A Final glimpse

Lampard’s last premier league game came as a City player, something no one would have guessed a year back. Made skipper by Pellegrini for the game against Southampton, City were in a stalemate for the first 30 minutes into the game. What followed next is clichéd, one last time we witnessed him scoring a perfect one touch flick from the box to give City a lead. Bliss. This one word that could probably match up to what this guy has given to the league and the happiness in his eyes to be on the score sheet one last time.

He did not get a royal sendoff as Xavi or Gerrard, but despite the lack of recognition, Frank James Lampard will be one of the greatest midfielders of all time and certainly one of the most decorated as well.

Farewell Lampsy,

The Premier League will certainly miss you.