Frank Lampard came to Chelsea's rescue as the Blues eked out a vital 2-1 victory over Everton in their English Premier League game at Goodison Park to keep their title hopes alive.
Everton opened the scoring through Steven Pienaar in the second minute, before two strikes from Lampard, who has been told he is free to leave in January, in either half gave Chelsea all three points.
Everton started the game brilliantly and took the lead with just 62 seconds on the clock. Steven Pienaar spread the ball to Phil Jagielka on the right, who saw his cross headed onto the crossbar by Victor Anichebe; however, the South African was on hand to slam home the rebound.
Everton threatened the Chelsea goal on several occasions in the first half, with Nikica Jelavic coming closest. The Croatian international saw his freekick hit the post to the right of Petr Cech with the goalkeeper well beaten.
Chelsea, almost against the run of play, although they did grow into the game as the first half wore on, struck through Lampard, who showed everyone his true worth, with three minutes remaining in the half.
Fernando Torres, who otherwise had a disappointing game, played the ball to Ramires, whose left-footed cross was perfectly headed into the net by the England international.
Jelavic saw the woodwork again deny him a goal in the second half, with Chelsea taking advantage of the let off.
Lampard, who has an uncanny knack to be at the right place at the right time, was perfectly placed to slam home the rebound after Tim Howard had initially saved a strike from Juan Mata in the 72nd minute.
Jelavic had a brilliant chance in the dying moments to equalize, but completely mishit his shot from six yards out as Chelsea clung on for a crucial win, which keeps them four points behind second-placed Manchester City and eleven adrift of leaders Manchester United, with a game in hand.
