Lampard, AVB scrap threatens to derail Chelsea

The manner in which Frank Lampard walked over to applaud the fans afterChelsea’s 3-0 win over lowly Bolton on Saturday was almost like a dress rehearsal for a testimonial match somewhere in the future.

‘Mr Chelsea’ may have scored the goal to help save his manager’s job but then sensationally admitted after the game: My relationship with AVB is not ideal.

Media speculation has been rife this week that it would be Ashley Cole heading for the exit door at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, but, it could well be Lampard.

In fact, news on Sunday morning was that Cole will definitely be staying at the Bridge.

According to an exclusive report in the Mirror (http://bit.ly/wmXtpZ), Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has intervened to make it clear that Cole must stay.

The 31-year-old international  was back for yesterday’s 3-0 win over Bolton and Abramovich was at Stamford Bridge to watch the game and saw Frank Lampard score.

The England midfielder’s 150th league goal was followed by this comment: “I think you can probably see that it’s not been ideal (his relationship with AVB). There have been certain issues. Certain players, we don’t like not to play.

“I’m sure we’re all frustrated at the minute. Everyone who’s involved, especially people who have got Chelsea in their hearts, who have been here a long time and want to see us performing as we should do.

“It doesn’t mean I want to play every game and, if I sit on the bench, I want to see Chelsea win.

Lampard’s goal, after strikes from David Luiz and Didier Drogba, eased the pressure on AVB.

But the manager warned the midfielder could be back on the bench against West Brom on Saturday.

He said: “Lamps had his chance today and played fantastically well.”

But when asked if the England star was a shoo-in to face West Brom on Saturday, he added: “That is not the way it works.”

Van Persie ‘spurs’ Arsenal to finish on a high

Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie has issued a clarion call to his troops to finish the season on a high and squashed speculation that he is seeking a move out of the Emirates.

“I’m just thinking about Arsenal right now and nobody else. I’m thinking about beating Tottenham at home. I’m thinking about a top-four finish to ensure there is Champions League football for Arsenal yet again next season,” said van Persie in an exclusive report in The Sun.

“I realise there is lots of speculation about my future at the moment. But, rest assured, the only thing in my mind right now is to get Arsenal Football Club back on track and finish the season strong.”

In what could be a season-defining fortnight for Arsenal, they take on Spurs in the north London derby on Sunday and aim to overturn a 4-0 deficit against Milan in the Champions League clash at home on March 6.

“I’m thinking about an early goal against Milan and trying to pull off the improbable. That would be incredible,” said the Dutch international who has been the Premier League’s top goal scorer this season.

Arsenal’s talisman feels the players owe it to their beleaguered manager Arsene Wenger and Gunners faithful to keep battling on despite their chances of ending a seventh season without a trophy being bleak.

“We owe it to our manager and — even more — to our fans. It hurts that Arsene Wenger has had to suffer the criticism he has. It’s a collective sport and there are many reasons why we have not produced the results,” he said taking responsibility for their poor performances in the last couple of games.

“We have amazing fans. It was unbelievable again to see all these fans from across the country and abroad supporting us at Sunderland after a bad loss three days earlier,” he said. “I honestly think we have the best supporters. They are there through thick and thin.”

However, he was confident they have the capacity to bounce back and finish strongly.

“I honestly believe this team has quality and can finish strong. We have come back so strongly after a disappointing start. Believe me, that took massive strength of character,” he said referring to the 8-2 mauling they received at the hands of Manchester United.

“Now we need to do exactly the same again. I am sure we can. There’s definitely no point looking back. What’s done is done, nothing can be changed now.
But we can do something about the future. We can make sure we finish the season in true Arsenal style to do ourselves justice and give the fans a real thrill,” he said.

Describing Sunday’s match as the biggest of the season, van Persie feels “a win against Spurs would protect our position in fourth and keep us ahead of those chasing” as Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle all battle for the Champions League spot.

He even ventured to say despite Arsenal being out of the title race, they can still end with a flourish.

“The Premier League title is beyond us and, maybe, second place too. But while fourth would be good, I haven’t given up on third place. Why not? This is football, after all,” he said optimistically.