The Premier League has been blessed with many familiar antics since its inception in 1992. Season after season billions of viewers have been witness to many marvellous spectacles, such as the right arm of Alan Shearer rising to salute the Toon Army and the mesmeric dribbles of Ryan Giggs lighting up the Theatre of Dreams.
It was another recognisable sight that occurred yesterday as Frank Lampard sporting his club's blue colours registered another Premier League goal to his incredible tally which now stands at 174. Only this campaign is a little different - the midfield maestro and Chelsea legend now represents the blue half of Manchester rather than the blue part of London.
Lampard is Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer and regularly scored 15 goals or more per season - good figures for a striker, but even greater statistics for a central midfielder. Ironically it is Lampard's influence in his short time at the Etihad Stadium that may have a significant bearing on the destination of the Premier League title this time round.
The 36-year-old is on loan at Manchester City until the end of December, but the midfielder's experience, quality and knack of popping up with crucial goals could be pivotal in clawing back the six-point deficit that separates City from Lampard's former employers. Lampard's goals are already easing the burden on last season's star performer Yaya Toure, who himself is beginning to find the superhuman form that brought him 24 goals in last season's title-winning campaign.
Manuel Pelligrini's men showed signs of being back to their best in Sunday's 0-3 win at high-flying Southampton and the Chilean has admitted he is keen to resolve the future of Lampard with the former England international set to join up with New York City FC at the start of 2015 - the club he signed a two-year contract with in July.
It is imperative that Pelligrini pulls out all of the stops necessary to retain the services of Lampard for the remainder of the season. Whilst Steven Gerrard struggles to fight against the test of time, Lampard appears to be thriving and relishing every second of top flight action he is handed. He is labelled by many as a consummate professional and this has been demonstrated in his ability to make an impact in the big games, even at this stage in his career.
Lampard has already provided one major blow to Jose Mourinho's boys by ending their perfect start to the season back in September with another trademark 'right place at the right time' moment to earn his side a 1-1 draw against the league leaders. Chelsea may well come to regret letting Lampard leave in the summer - he is a model of consistency and has been in a key figure in what has been a testing week for City's squad of riches which has brought them monumental victories, first off at home to Bayern Munich and then on Sunday afternoon at St Mary's Stadium.
Sergio Aguero may well be the standout performer of the season so for City, but ensuring Lampard sees out the rest of the Premier League campaign could prove to be the catalyst in Manchester City's season.
In the space of two games they have revived their Champions League dreams and Premier League ambitions. Frankly speaking, the know-how and champion qualities of Lampard will turn out to be Chelsea's loss and Manchester City's gain.
