Frank Lampard believes Chelsea have fought their way to the brink of the Premier League title because of the attitude of the players at a crucial stage of the season. Carlo Ancelotti's side responded to a 4-2 home defeat by Manchester City at the end of February by putting together a nine-match run in which they won seven, drew one and lost one.
A first title in four years is now Chelsea's to lose as they host Wigan while Manchester United are at home to Stoke on Sunday. But Lampard feels what has gone before in the past couple of months proves their championship credentials. "We have had a couple of moments in the season when we have not been at our best and the momentum went back to United," said the England midfielder. "But in the last 10 games or so our performances have been fantastic, so has the attitude of the lads. We have got a head of steam up. There is still another game to go but we are in a good position. If you are going to win titles you are going to have these moments."
Nani, the United winger, is refusing to give up on his title dream. "We are still a team, we are together and we will fight until the last chance," he said. "We still have a chance. You never know what is going to happen in football. Sometimes in life, it is very difficult, but we have to win our game." Edwin van der Sar, the Manchester United goalkeeper, knows only a shock result for Wigan will send the trophy to Old Trafford, but is confident United will do their job and then keep their fingers crossed.
"We need a big favour from Wigan," he said. "It would have been nice if we had been a point ahead. We are not in charge that is difficult." Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez has called on Liverpool officials to "answer a lot of questions" about the future direction of the club. The Spaniard has a meeting scheduled with Martin Broughton, the new chairman, this week in which he expects to be given detailed information about what plans are being put in place for next season and beyond.
"It is to talk about the future," he said. "Everyone is asking about my future but the future of the club is more important. Still I do not know what is going on in the club. "I don't know if we will have any investors so there are a lot of questions not just, for me, one question. For me the club has to answer a lot of questions. * PA
