Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has suggested Manchester United cannot afford many more slip-ups.

Chelsea are eight points clear of Sir Alex Ferguson's side after their 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers and United's defeat by Arsenal.

United do have a match in hand but Lampard believes it is far easier to set the pace than try to catch up.

Lampard said: "It is a nice gap for us. It is far from over, but in the last two years it's been the other way round.

"We've been five points behind them and it is not easy. When you are chasing, you really can't afford to lose games.

"It is certainly easier when you are making the pace, because the points give you a bit of security."

Chelsea's victory in appalling weather conditions at Blackburn underlined that under Luiz Felipe Scolari the team has backbone as well as flair.

Lampard insists the points were vital because it will put pressure on the chasing clubs - especially United and Arsenal.

He added: "You have to remember Liverpool are neck and neck with us. But Man United and Arsenal, who are always big contenders, are those few points behind.

"It is not easy to chase, the pressure builds up and if you drop points you fall further behind.

"It's difficult either way, because the top four don't lose too many games or drop too many points. You certainly don't want to be too far behind at this point.

"We did it last year and we made a lot of ground up. But in the end we lost the title by two points, so it feels nice to be in the lead."

from Barclays website Mon 10 Nov 2008