Everything Under Control

A change seems to have come over Frank Lampard this season. From somewhere or another, he appears to have acquired a certain arrogance. And if anyone doubts this, they should re-run the tape of the Chelsea v Reading game at Stamford Bridge, because as early as the 7th minute, there is a perfect example. It was what Andy Gray likes to call a ‘coming together’ between Lampard and a Reading player. Instantly, Frank stopped, glared and waited for the formality of the free kick which he had prematurely awarded himself.

But he was sorely disappointed and deeply frustrated, because on this occasion the referee was Alan Wiley, who as Lady Thatcher once put it is ‘not for turning’.

Mr Wiley simply waved play on. It was a significant moment in an immaculate performance by a man whose perception and composure mark him out as one of the top Premiership referees – and as far as some good judges are concerned, the very best.

Most important of all, from that moment on, there was a marked disinclination on the part of Chelsea players to harass and harangue the referee – because even they can recognise that in some cases it is entirely futile and unprofitable to do so. Even for Frank Lampard.