With the confirmation of Frank Lampard’s departure from Chelsea yesterday, his crestfallen fans all over the world are paying their tributes to his 13 years of excellent service to the club. The midfield general is considered as one of the best English midfielders in history and his scoring record for the Blues is unlikely to be ever matched by any other midfielder in the near future. Frank Lampard scored some absolute belters during his glittering trophy laden career with the West London outfit, so many that it was quite tough selecting only 10 of his best goals. It is also worth noting that 4 of these goals, including the top 3, were scored by his weaker left foot. As he waved goodbye to a memorable career at the Bridge, we take a look at 10 of the best goals scored by Lampard in a Chelsea shirt.
#1 Vs Stoke City (Home) 2009/10
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With an inch perfect cross from youngster Sam Hutchinson, Frank Lampard connected with the ball perfectly with the outside of his boot to slot the ball in past a hapless Asmir Begovic.
It was a brilliantly weighted first touch from the midfield genius to make it 5-0 to Chelsea, and it was also his 25th goal of a record breaking season.
#2 Vs Hull City (Home) 2013/14
On the first day of the season, with Chelsea already leading 1-0 after Oscars finish, Lampard struck a brilliant dipping freekick to prove that he still is one of the best set piece takers in the country.
It was the first of 8 goals he scored in what proved to be his last season for the Blues, and also arguably the best one.
#3 Vs Everton - 2009 FA Cup Final, Wembley
With the 08/09 FA Cup final equally poised at 1-1, neither team seemed able to break the deadlock. In stepped Frank Lampard at the grandest stage of them all to strike a thunderous drive from his weaker foot, despite a slip in the follow up, to win his 2nd FA Cup trophy for Chelsea and ensuring Guus Hiddink doesn’t end his maiden season with Chelsea trophyless.
Though Tim Howard got a hand on it, the power on the shot proved to be too much for the American keeper.
#4 Vs Lazio (Home) 2003/04
In his first ever Champions League season, Lampard scored one of the goals of the tournament. After a cut back from Eiður Smári Guðjohnsen, Lampard struck a brilliant first time swerving shot from outside the box which flew into the top right corner.
#5 Vs Ipswich Town (Home) 2008/09
After Ipswich Town managed to force a replay in the FA Cup, Chelsea thrashed them 7-0 in the return leg, with the highlight of the day being this stunning dipping free kick from the legend, from more than 35 yards out.
#6 Vs Everton (Away) 2006/07
In what was one of the best matches of the 2006/07 premier league season, Chelsea made a remarkable comeback after the 80th minute mark to win 3-2 at Goodison Park, a result made all the more sweeter by Manchester Uniteds defeat to West Ham just minutes later.
Grabbing a cut back from Soloman Kalou, Lampard controlled the ball with his first touch and then let fly a perfect outward curling effort from outside the box, right in the top corner to make it 2-2 for Chelsea and stun the Goodison park crowd.The fact that it wasnt the best goal of the match was largely due to Michael Ballack and Didier Drogbas efforts either side of this goal, but it was still one of the best of Lampards career.
#7 Vs Tottenham - 2012 FA Cup Semifinal, Wembley
Chelsea thrashed London rivals Tottenham Hotspurs 5-1 in the 2012 FA Cup semi final, on their way to lift the trophy. The best goal of the night undoubtedly belonged to none other than Frank Lampard, who hit a knuckleball free kick from a full 35 yards out which completely whizzed pass former Blues keeper Carlo Cudicini.
It is widely regarded as Lampard’s best free kick goal, and surely one of the most important too.
#8 Vs Bayern Munich (Home) 2004/05
The 2004/05 season was when Lampard truly made his mark in World Football. He won Englands player of the year as well as the PFA player of the year award, while finishing 2nd behind Ronaldinho in both the Ballon Dor as well as the Fifa World Player of The Year awards.
Lampard struck 19 goals that season, and his best effort came against European giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League knocout stages.Claude Makelele was the creator of this special goal. With his first touch, Lampard showed impeccable technique to chest the ball down, and with his second, he beat the best goalkeeper in the world with a perfect half volley.In simpler terms, the midfielder chested a ball perfectly and turned and volleyed with his left foot to beat Oliver Kahn, sounds good doesnt it ?
#9 Vs Hull City (Away) 2008/09
A goal described by Luis Felipe Scolari as the best he has ever seen in his coaching career, and that is quite a statement considering he has coached Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and both the Ronaldos before.
A chipped goal is always a pleasant sight, and it doesnt get better than Lampards left footed effort from outside the box. It was traditionally inch perfect from the midfield genius and won plaudits from experts all over the world.
#10 Vs Barcelona (Away) 2006/07
Chelsea and Barcelona have become fierce European rivals in recent years, and one of their earlier encounters saw a bit of magic from Chelseas talismanic midfielder. A supreme bit of skill which completely numbed the Camp Nou faitfhul.
After initally misjudging a pass from Claude Makelele, Lampard was forced wide of the goal, yet, from a nearly impossible angle he curled in a beautiful chip over the onstretched hand of Victor Valdes and in off the back post. It was rightly regarded as one of the most beautiful goals in Champions League history.
