Chelsea's Rafael Benitez praises Frank Lampard on 200-goal mark

Rafael Benitez praised Frank Lampard after the midfielder scored his 200th goal for Chelsea to leave him only two shy of Bobby Tambling's club record.

The 34-year-old reached the milestone with a header, the opening goal for the Blues in their 2-0 win over West Ham.

"We were expecting him to score today, because the team were creating chances," the Chelsea boss said.

"He has broken a great record and hopefully can score more goals."

Tambling set the record between 1959 and 1970 and Lampard, who joined Chelsea from West Ham in 2001, said he never believed he would reach the 200-goal landmark.

"It is one of my best days," Lampard told BBC Sport.

"Obviously, winning the Champions League and championships are the best, but personally getting 200 goals for the club, I never thought I would touch that so I am pleased to get it."

Lampard is out of contract at the end of the season and if he does not extend his current deal then he has nine Premier League games in which to break the record, while the club are also still in the FA Cup and Europa League.

"Everyone keeps talking about the goalscoring record, but I would rather people kept quiet," he said. "The important thing is trying to score goals to win games.

"We are in good form and everyone is at it. There is a good feeling around the place and we need to carry it on until the end of the season."

The England international scored his goal at the end where the away fans were sitting. Lampard celebrated with substitute John Terry, who was warming up in that section of the ground, as objects were thrown from the crowd in their direction.

The Metropolitan Police later confirmed it was investigating allegations coins were thrown at Lampard as he celebrated his goal..