Frank Lampard scored twice to become Chelsea's all-time leading scorer
as the Blues came from behind to win at relegation-threatened Aston
Villa.
Christian Benteke put Villa ahead with a strong run and finish, while Chelsea had Ramires sent off before half-time.
After the break Benteke saw a red card and Lampard fired his side level.
The midfielder then collected his 203rd Blues goal to break Bobby Tambling's record and all but secure their place in next season's Champions League.
Lethal Lampard
Lampard has scored 13 Premier League goals against Aston Villa, his most against any single opponent
Chelsea sit third in the table with one game left and only an unlikely mathematical scenario can deny them a top-four place.
Arsenal could end up above them and Tottenham can
finish on the same points, but Chelsea's goal difference is 17 better
than that of Spurs.
Although the result leaves Villa five points clear of the relegation zone in 13th, they have played a game more than every team beneath them.
Paul Lambert's side will feel hard done by, but Lampard's intervention sums up the impact he has made throughout his career as he exploited a defence that has now gone 21 league games without a clean sheet.
For so long it seemed Villa were heading for a sixth win nine matches to secure survival, their newfound confidence clear for all to see.
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