Frank Lampard has insisted there will be no Premier League title celebrations from Chelsea until they have secured a first domestic crown since 2006 (1/12 Chelsea – Premier League outright).
A one-sided 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday has put the west Londoners within one win of seeing off the challenge of defending champions and nearest challengers Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beat Sunderland 1-0 later on Sunday but must now beat Stoke at Old Trafford next weekend and hope Carlo Ancelotti’s men stumble against Wigan at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard, on target against Liverpool, highlighted the fact that the lead had changed hands so many times this season when insisting the Chelsea players would take nothing for granted.
“It would be nice to do it in front of our own fans,” said the England midfielder.
He added: “Obviously Manchester United have a tough game but we’ll never go that far (thinking they have already won). We have a big game next week.”
Chelsea appeared to have lost momentum in December last year when they won just two out of six Premier League games.
However, they can end the season by winning the double if they also beat Portsmouth in the FA Cup final on May 15 (1/4 Chelsea 4/1 draw 8/1 Portsmouth – match betting).
Lampard said the players had drawn inspiration from their desire to overhaul United and revealed they are determined to finish the season with a flourish.
“We’ve got an FA Cup final after next week so we’re very determined,” he added.
“We were at a bit of a low point a couple of months ago so credit goes to the players, management and staff.
“We dug ourselves out of that and have pushed on to the brink of doing the double.”
Carlo Ancelotti felt Chelsea gained the upper-hand by beating Liverpool but revealed he would not alter his preparations for next Sunday’s showdown with Roberto Martinez’s men.
“It was the key game I think for the fight for the title and we played very well,” said the Italian.
The former AC Milan boss added: “The team is fit, mentally very good and we have to have confidence for the next game. We have to stay calm, train well like we did the last week and prepare well. Nothing special.”
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