Tuesday 23 September 2014 12:22, UK
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says Frank Lampard's equaliser against Chelsea could prove a pivotal moment in this season's title race.
Lampard's dramatic strike, against a club where he spent 13 glorious seasons, kept City within five points of the early season pacesetters.
"Ever since I've been at this club, seasons have been decided on small events like this one so I will never underestimate what it could mean to our season. It could be crucial," said Kompany, who has won two Premier League titles with City.
Kompany said the 36-year-old's surprise move to the Etihad, on loan from MLS side New York City, had been a major boost for the club.
"Frank brings quality. The goal he scored you would have seen from him for the last 15 years in the Premier League," he said. "He is clever and still extremely motivated.
Ever since I've been at this club, seasons have been decided on small events like this one so I will never underestimate what it could mean to our season. It could be crucial.
"He brings experience. It is not a word you make up, it is something that helps and it is like his goal: keeping your head cool in a moment when you are under pressure and down to 10 men - how many players would have scored that goal?
"He has proven it himself in only a few minutes, which is good. Ultimately you play so many competitions you need all the guys to be there and he is another who will clearly make our team stronger."
Lampard will return to New York for the start of the MLS season in January but the prospect of a second spell on loan at the Etihad next season could still be on the cards.
"That is not for me to judge," said Kompany.
"I think he has his personal plans as well, but I can base things on what I see day in, day out on the training ground and he is one of the better players.
"That is as simple as it is. The rest is not up to me."
