Chelsea’s first home game after the lockdown break showed that Frank Lampard’s team is still advancing.

Despite having to weather endless Manchester City onslaughts in the evening heat at an echoey Stamford Bridge, the Blues emerged 2-1 winners, in the process deposing the reigning champions and gifting Liverpool their first title since Margaret Thatcher was prime minister.

A splendid breakaway goal by Christian Pulisic, sprinting three-quarters of the pitch after a high-line defensive muddle by City, set the tone.

And while former old boy Kevin de Bruyne’s dipping free-kick brought City level shortly after the break, and Raheem Sterling hit the post, Chelsea kept up the pressure and always threatened. Pulisic rounded keeper Ederson, only for his tap-in to be cleared by Kyle Walker.

But when sub Tammy Abraham’s scuffed shot was blocked by Fernandinho’s hand, ref Stuart Attwell showed the Brazilian a red card, allowing Willian to convert the penalty. De Bruyne was lucky not to have also seen red after grabbing the galloping Willian round the neck to impede him as he sprinted down the right in the build-up to Abraham’s attempt.

Lampard was delighted with the result against the No2 team in the land, and now has a spring in his step ahead of Sunday afternoon’s FA Cup clash at Leicester.