Lampard breaks Chelsea goal record

BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom (AFP) –

Chelsea’s English midfielder Frank Lampard celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park on May 11, 2013. Lampard beat Bobby Tambling’s Chelsea record of 202 goals when he scored twice in their Premier League match away to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Frank Lampard equalled and then broke Bobby Tambling’s Chelsea record of 202 goals by scoring twice as the Blues came from behind to secure a 2-1 win away to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

England international Lampard struck in the 61st minute at Villa Park when he collected a pass from Eden Hazard, shifted the ball onto his left foot and let fly from some 15 yards.

His goal drew the visitors level at 1-1 after both sides had had a man sent-off in Ramires (Chelsea) and Christian Benteke, who opened the scoring for Villa.

Lampard then added a second two minutes from time when he played a one-two with Hazard before side-footing in his 203rd goal for Chelsea to spark a minor pitch invasion by some elated Blues fans.

Victory left third-placed Chelsea five points clear of Arsenal and six clear of Tottenham Hotspur and virtually ensured of prevailing in the battle between the London trio for a place in next season’s Champions League.

Lampard’s goal-scoring feat is all the more impressive as he is a midfielder rather than a striker, unlike former Blues forward Tambling.

The 34-year-old Lampard scored his first goal for Chelsea in 2001, having joined the club that year from London rivals West Ham.