Frank Lampard hails ‘influential’ Willian as Chelsea edge past Crystal Palace to boost Champions League hopes

Frank Lampard has hailed the impact of Willian despite the Brazilian’s uncertain future at Chelsea.

Willian provided two assists in a superb display as the Blues won at Crystal Palace to boost their hopes of a top four finish.

And Lampard was thrilled as the 31-year-old continues to shine, while his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

“He was extremely influential,” Lampard said. “I mean he and Christian (Pulisic) are a threat for us at the minute.

“When you think of Willian and his situation, the impact he is having in all the games at the minute with his speed and how he controls the ball and his quality which we all see in every game, I am so pleased with him.

“He has been brilliant for us with both of those things and Willian deserves huge credit.”

Goals from Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham were enough to edge out the Eagles, who twice reduced the deficit to one goal through Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke.

And Lampard admitted he was relieved to secure the points after Scott Dann hit the post in stoppage time.

“We should have had the game done at 2-0. We should have controlled the game better and then at 3-2 we had good chances to finish off,” Lampard said.

“With some slight wrong decisions maybe in the final third or final shot, and then it invites pressure.

“Kepa (Arrizabalaga) makes a great save, Kurt makes a great tackle. But in those last moments it was nerve-racking for us.”

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