Cole performance lauded
Cole: First start of the season
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By Tom Powell. |  |
Sunday, 25, Oct 2009 12:18
By Darren Estwick.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti and Frank Lampard were both full of praise for returning midfielder Joe Cole following his first start in the Premier League since January.
The England midfielder managed to play 75 minutes on his return in an energetic display during Chelsea's 5-0 win over Blackburn Rovers that pleased staff and fans alike.
Ancelotti was surprised by Cole's performance given how long he has been injured, but know expects a great contribution from him in the coming months.
"I was impressed with Joe because I know very well how hard he has worked in the last month," said Ancelotti.
Meanwhile man of the match Frank Lampard continued the praise for his long-term friend.
"He is different class said Lampard. "I think everyone knows what Coley brings us, he is something different, he runs with the ball and he can create something out of nothing."
Rovers manager Sam Allardyce was scathing of his team's performance, labelling them pathetic in the second half.
"The second half was pathetic," declared Allardyce. "I didn't see that coming. I felt we had set our stall out to frustrate Chelsea as best we could and it worked very well in the first half.
"We knew it would have been difficult to get something out of the game, but why throw a game plan that is working so well out of the window? That is what I cannot understand."