Frank Lampard heaps praise on defensive duo Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen
Frank Lampard has heaped praise on defensive duo Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen after Chelsea came away with a point in their lunchtime clash with Leicester City.
Rudiger scored his first career brace as Chelsea fought back from 2-1 down to earn a draw in an entertaining contest at the King Power Stadium. He also managed to keep Jamie Vardy quiet as the Englishman looked to end his six-game goal drought.
Christensen also impressed with a commanding performance at the back, having been handed a place in the starting eleven ahead of Kurt Zouma of late.
Frank Lampard has praised the performances of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger (centre) scored twice as Chelsea earned a hard-fought point against Leicester City
Lampard revealed that the Danish defender had been struggling with a fever but battled on for his team.
‘I thought it was a pretty even game,’ he told BT Sport. ‘I thought we were the better team in the first half with the press and how we moved the ball. In the second half we weren’t so fluid and they had good chances so it was pretty even.
‘It’s nice because we want to score more goals from set pieces. In games like this against top quality opposition it’s really important.
The pair combined to good effect to keep out the misfiring Jamie Vardy on Saturday afternoon
Lampard was delighted to earn a point away to one of the Premier League’s best sides
‘I thought Andreas Christensen played well as well (as Antonio Rudiger). He was struggling with a fever at half time but played well. Tony as well with a great header for the second goal.’
The big story before the game was Lampard’s decision to select veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero to play between the sticks ahead of club record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
‘I’m not going to talk about that now,’ Lampard said. ‘But I thought he had a good performance, good save in the first half. I don’t think he could’ve done much about the Harvey Barnes goal so good performance.
‘Not many people gave us the top four spot as a given. We had six point lead before the game, we come to Leicester who are a really good team and we get the point so I’m happy.’
