Frank Lampard demands more playing time

Sub Lampard demands more playing time after helping Blues end City's unbeaten run

Frank Lampard demands more playing time

Sub Lampard demands more playing time after helping Blues end City's unbeaten run

Fighters: Chelsea's Frank Lampard celebrates his goal with Didier
Drogba. Pics/AFP

Victory saw Chelsea move to within seven points of City who suffered their first defeat in 15 league games so far this season at Stamford Bridge here on Monday. City took the lead through Mario Balotelli, but could not hold on as they saw left-back Gael Clichy sent off and the home side take all the spoils through Lampard's 82nd-minute penalty after Raul Meireles brought the game level.

2nd minute: Mario Balotelli

Brilliant: Mario Balotelliu00a0goes past Petr Cech to give City the lead.

34th minute: Raul Meireles

Fight back: Chelsea's Raul Meireles (left) latches on to a Daniel
Sturridge cross.

"I want to play, simple as that," Lampard told BBC Sport. "I'm as fit as I've ever been. I've been in a good run of form and now I've not been playing. I haven't spoken (to Villas-Boas) so I don't know (why), simple as that."

58th min: Clichy sent off

Misery: Gael Clichyu00a0fouls Ramires and gets a second yellow.

82nd minute: Frank Lampard

Winner: Frank Lampard converts a penalty awarded for a Joleon
Lescott handball.

The 33-year-old has started just 16 of Chelsea's 24 games this season, with the win over City his second successive time he was named on the bench, and he insists he just wants to be able to play consistently.
u00a0
He added: "I want to play. If I didn't, there wouldn't be any point turning up, so maybe there's a bit of frustration because of that. I just want to play and I like to play well. I'm always at my best when I'm playing regularly. I know I've got a lot to give.

"I just want to be on the pitch and let the football do the talking."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels