Lampard unhappy on bench

Fresh from his winner against Manchester City, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed he is frustrated with life as a substitute.

City took the lead on Monday in the English Premier League encounter through Mario Balotelli, but could not hold on after left-back Gael Clichy was sent off.

The home side took the three points through an 82nd-minute penalty from substitute Lampard, after Raul Meireles brought the game level.

England international Lampard believes he is in form and is as fit as ever, and cannot understand why he is not starting matches.

“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.”

The 33-year-old has started just 16 of Chelsea’s 24 games this season, with the win over City the second match in succession he had began on the bench.

“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,” he said.

“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.”