Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the ice-cool nerve of Frank
Lampard after he earned the Blues three valuable points with a late
penalty.
Lampard, who missed his last penalty against Manchester City,
kept his concentration to score from the spot after Branislav
Ivanovic had been fouled by Portsmouth defender Marc Wilson.
Nicolas Anelka had given the Blues a first-half lead only for
Frederic Piquionne to level five minutes after the re-start. But
Lampard's winner also ruined the return of former Chelsea boss
Avram Grant.
The Israeli was back at Stamford Bridge for the first time
since he was sacked in the summer of 2008.
"I have trust in Frank because he shoots penalties very
well," said Ancelotti. "He missed a penalty at Manchester City but
he's the best penalty taker for us.
"It was a very good penalty tonight because it was not easy.
There was a lot of pressure on that penalty. He did very well."
But Ancelotti also accepted that Chelsea once again lost
their way again once Pompey had levelled. "We lost our composure
for 15 minutes and, for that period, it was difficult," added the
Italian.
"But we deserved to win the game. I don't know why we're
losing that composure. After four games without a victory, and when
Portsmouth equalised, we didn't have confidence that we would win
the game.
"Probably that was because we didn't win in the last four
games. It is a moment - it was important to return to winning ways.
We did that. We did a good job, not a beautiful job.
"I'm happy because it was becoming a difficult game after
they'd equalised. We had 15 minutes in the second half which were
no good. We lost our composure. But, then, we had a very good
reaction. We changed something on the pitch, put fresh players on,
and had a very good reaction until the end of the game.
"We deserved to win, but that was the most important thing
after four games without a victory. The first aim was always to
win. The players are not suffering from nerves, no. They are not
nervous. In this case, we can do better. We have a lot of players
with strong personalities. Communication in this case is the most
important thing."
Pompey remain rooted to the foot of the Barclays Premier but
coach Grant was pleased with the performance of his side.
"We played well," said Grant. "We played against a team who
are very strong at home. But they didn't create many chances and in
the second half we had two big chances. But they scored a goal from
no chance really. The result is disappointing but the performance
was good.
"Of course it was a penalty. Marc is a very good young player
but sometimes inexperience costs. He made a mistake but he is a
very good player. It was a pity because I could not see how Chelsea
would score."
Grant was also touched by the reception from Chelsea fans who
still recognise his efforts in taking the club to their only
Champions League cup final in 2008.
"It was touching," he added. "It was a great year and the
reception made my heart warm."
