• Premier League

Kompany: Lampard goal could prove crucial in title race

Vincent Kompany believes Frank Lampard's equaliser for Manchester City against Chelsea could prove crucial in the outcome of the Premier League title race.

Lampard - who is Chelsea's all-time record scorer - opened his City account against his former club to earn a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Frank Lampard refuses to celebrate after scoring against his former club © PA Photos

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The champions would have been eight points behind league leaders Chelsea after five games had they lost and Kompany feels Lampard and City are a perfect fit.

"He needed what we can offer him and I think we needed what he can bring to us," Kompany said of Lampard, who joined City on loan until January when he goes to New York City to prepare for their inaugural MLS season.

"If you talk to him I reckon that's how he sees it as well and today was just the icing on the cake. He brings experience.

"It is not a word you make up, it is something that helps and it is like his goal: keeping your head cool in a moment when you are under pressure and down to 10 men - how many players would have scored that goal? He has proven it himself in only a few minutes, which is good.

"Ever since I have been at this club, seasons and big moments have been decided on small events like this so I will never underestimate what it could mean to our season. It could be crucial."

Lampard scored a record 211 goals for Chelsea and Kompany thinks he proves he still has the ability to succeed at the highest level.

"He brings quality. The goal he scored you would have seen for the last 15 years in the Premier League," Kompany added.

"He is clever, still extremely motivated and ultimately you play so many competitions you need all the guys to be there and he is another who will clearly make our team stronger. I can base things on what I see day in, day out on the training ground and he is one of the better players."

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