Mar 18, 2013 12:01 AM EDT
Chelsea vs West Ham Results: Rafa Benitez Hails Frank Lampard as Midfielder Reaches 200 Goals to Close the Gap on Bobby Tambling

Frank Lampard moved to within two goals of equaling Bobby Tambling's all-time Chelsea goalscoring record, after netting the opener in a comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham in their English Premier League game.

The goal was Lampard's 200th for the Blues and he will now look to add three more in the rest of the campaign, at the very least, to become the all-time leading scorer. Lampard's future is still undecided, with Chelsea yet to offer a new contract to the 34-year-old, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.

However, the game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday was the Blues at their best, with West Ham extremely lucky to come away with just a 2-0 loss.

Eden Hazard had one his best games of the season, and was at the forefront of almost every single Chelsea attack. The Belgian playmaker scored the second Chelsea goal early in the second half to seal the issue, after the home side had missed a gamut of chances to put the game to bed in the first 45.

"The team was doing well from the beginning of the week and today (Sunday) we could keep the momentum and play well," Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez said.

"We played attacking football, created chances, and it was a pity we couldn't score even more goals, but I am really pleased with the atmosphere and I am really pleased with the performance of the team."

Chelsea moved up to third in the Premier League table with the victory, after Tottenham lost to Fulham, with Benitez praising Lampard for his double century of goals.

"I am really pleased because we kept another clean sheet and we are even happier because Frank has scored 200 goals," he said. "It is a fantastic achievement for any player but especially for a midfielder.

"He is a fantastic player and in training he is always working hard. We have a lot of games still to play and so hopefully he can score more goals.

"I am not taking any credit away from Frank because it is a fantastic achievement and I am really pleased for him, but I will give credit to the rest of the team too because they allow him to go forward and still we keep the balance of the team, and a top side has to have that."

Benitez hoped the international break will work in his club's favor, with Chelsea set to endure a busy Easter period.

"The good thing is we have played three really good games but the bad thing is we have the international break now," Benitez added.

"But hopefully they will mentally relax in the changed environment and they will come back with the same fresh mind and the same fresh legs."

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