Pellegrini hails Lampard after cup double

Manuel Pellegrini again paid tribute to Frank Lampard after he scored twice in Manchester City’s 7-0 League Cup rout of Sheffield Wednesday.

The holders took a while to get going at the Etihad Stadium, but Lampard followed up Sunday’s crucial equaliser against former club Chelsea by opening the scoring at the start of the second half.

Edin Dzeko also scored a double, while Jesus Navas, Yaya Toure from the penalty spot and Jose Pozo were on target before Lampard finished things off with his second in stoppage time.

“Frank’s a very important player for every team he plays in,” Pellegrini told Sky Sports. “He’s very happy here and doing his job by scoring. I think for him also, it’s important to feel that he’s an important player for us.”

City will host Newcastle in round four and Pellegrini insisted they have no intention of giving up this trophy without a fight.

“It was a very satisfying result and very good to get back to our best scoring form,” added the Chilean.

“It was not the real difference between the two teams as they played well, especially in the first half, but I’m happy because we returned to being a scoring team.

“Maybe in the last two games here at home [against Stoke and Chelsea] we didn’t do it, so I think for the team it is very important.

“We are just in round number three, but it’s important to defend this title the way we did.”