Lampard: Chelsea Must Not Slip Up In Title Race

Chelsea must continue to perform at their full potential if they wish to win the Premier League title this season, Frank Lampard has warned. The Blues sit one point clear at the top of the Premier League table currently, however Arsenal can pull themselves level at the top if they win their game in hand against Bolton on Wednesday night. The football odds for this match suggest the Gunners will stroll to victory.

Chelsea endured a disappointing end to 2009, which saw them draw three games and lose to Manchester City and this has led Lampard to call for his side to maintain the high standards they have shown in recent weeks, standards that were exemplified by their 7-2 thrashing of Sunderland at the weekend.

The England midfielder is aiming to help Chelsea win their first Premier League title since 2006 and said the team are "confident" about their prospects. "We believe in ourselves, we have the right attitude and if we continue to play as we did against Sunderland then we have a very good chance of winning the league," said Lampard. The Premier League odds currently make Chelsea favourites to win the title, but Arsenal and Manchester United are chasing the West London outfit. Because of this Chelsea need to maintain standards to ensure they do not "lose everything" between now and the end of the season, Lampard added.

Chelsea's title aspirations could be hampered by the fact that Michael Essien is expected to be out of action for at least a month after damaging a ligament in his knee while away with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations.