Lampard promises more misery for Villa

Frank Lampard last night warned Chelsea are ready to pile more Wembley misery on to Aston Villa.

Lampard insists Chelsea’s stop-start season can now take off after setting up an FA Cup semi-final showdown with Villa.

Villa are desperate to avenge their Carling Cup final defeat to Manchester United, but Lampard has promised they will get no sympathy from Chelsea.

The Blues midfielder said: “Villa are a good team. We all know that. They've got a lot of players in the England squad, they’ve got good players, good quality.

“And after their disappointment at Wembley they are going to be trying to get back there and win something, so it will be a difficult game for us.

“To get to the semis is always important. It’s a good day out and one step closer to the final.”

Lampard admits that Chelsea are still searching for some consistency, having been deposed at the top of the Premier League by Manchester United.

But he says they showed their spirit by bouncing back from their shock defeat to Manchester City by knocking Stoke out of the FA Cup.

Lampard now insists they are ready to put a run together and see off rivals United and Arsenal in one of the most exciting title races in Premier League history.

“It was important we showed a good reaction,” said Lampard. “Everyone has them, results like that. We’ve been as good as anyone over the last few weeks. They can happen.

“Maybe they can be a kick in the right direction and help you react positively. I think we did that this week.

“Hopefully it can make us more aware and make sure we get back on it, especially at home, for the rest of the season.

“Let’s hope we can build the momentum again. We’ve certainly got it in us. Every team has faltered at certain times this year and there have been times to kick on in the league.

“It’s very important now. The team that pushes forward and goes on a consistent run can go and win the league.

“We’ve got a game in hand but I think it’s important to block it out [that Chelsea are no longer top]. People will make a meal of that but we know we’ve got the extra game. We’ll just have to concentrate on winning games again.”