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Premier League
May 11, 2013 at 12.45pm UK
 
Chelsea logo

1-2

Benteke (14')
Benteke (58')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Lampard (61', 88')
Ramires (45')

On this day: Frank Lampard becomes Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer

Two years ago today, midfielder Frank Lampard became Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer.

Regardless of what Chelsea supporters think of Frank Lampard's season-long stint at Manchester City, there can be no demeaning his achievements during his 13-year stint at Stamford Bridge.

Following his arrival from West Ham United in 2001, the midfielder's first two seasons in the blue of Chelsea saw a goal return of seven and then eight.

Chelsea's Frank Lampard celebrates his record breaking goal against Aston Villa on May 13, 2013© Getty Images

In the 10 campaigns that followed, though, he would score at least double figures in each of them, five of which saw him reach the 20-goal mark and beyond.

It meant that when the West Londoners travelled to Aston Villa two years ago today, the veteran was just one goal short of Bobby Tambling's club record of 202.

However, it was the home side that broke the deadlock in the 14th minute courtesy of the in-form Christian Benteke, who ghosted past Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill, before firing a shot inside Petr Cech's near post.

It was the Belgian striker's 19th Premier League goal of the season and his 23rd in all competitions.

The situation deteriorated even further for the away side just before the break when Brazilian midfielder Ramires was handed his marching orders for a second bookable offence following a challenge with Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Yet, the numbers would be evened up 13 minutes after the restart as Benteke went from hero to villain. Like Ramires, he was cautioned for a second time for a late tackle on Chelsea skipper John Terry.

And from that moment onwards, Lampard took centre stage. Just three minutes had passed after Benteke's departure when the England international equalised.

Eden Hazard teed up Lampard inside the area, where he unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that flew beyond the reach of home goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Having drawn himself level in the goalscoring charts with Tambling, Lampard now had the outright record firmly in his sights - a feat that he achieved two minutes from the end.

Hazard was again the creator, squaring a pass across the face of goal, which a gleeful Lampard rolled into an unguarded net to score his 203rd Chelsea goal.

"It's great to get the record, especially in an important game. It's absolutely amazing personally. I never dreamed I've get near 200 goals, even 50 or 100. I'm very fortunate. I have to thank my teammates over the years and the lads we've got here now. The fans have been a huge support," he told BBC Sport after the final whistle.

"It is emotional when your teammates are surrounding you and the fans celebrating. It was a very, very amazing day for me. I did get a bit emotional there.

"I always dedicate my goals to my mum, I lost her a couple of years ago. Time passes but she was my biggest supporter and she's always with me, her and my dad."

VILLA: Guzan; Bennett, Vlaar, Baker, Lichaj; Westwood, Delph, Sylla, Agbonlahor, Weimann; Benteke

CHELSEA: Cech; Cole, Terry (Ivanovic), Cahill, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Moses (Luiz), Hazard; Ba (Torres)

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Liam Apicella
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Chelsea players celebrate after the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London on May 3, 2015
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