Frank Lampard's Chelsea Return with Man City Proves an Anti-Climax

STAMFORD BRIDGE, LONDON— As far as top-of-the-table clashes go, Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Manchester City isn't going to live long in the memory.

With a reported global audience of 650 million, this game was expected to serve up so much more.

Instead we got a stalemate, with one team trying to win and the other doing all they could to stop them playing.

Chelsea were the latter in that equation, with their injury-ravaged squad meaning four youth team players were promoted to the bench.

Diego Costa served the first game of his three-match ban, while Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis both missed out owing to the injuries they picked up against Liverpool in midweek.

So far as drama goes, it was only when Frank Lampard entered the game that we witnessed anything of the sort.

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It had been much debated throughout the week and for all the hype, Lampard's return didn't quite live up to its billing.

He and Chelsea were probably happy with that. Nobody's honour was damaged, it finished all square and we could all go home knowing he is still adored in west London.

Lampard's reception was exceptional from Chelsea supporters. When the final whistle blew, he became the very thing he is—a Chelsea legend.

He was no longer a foe, partaking in an impromptu lap of honour to soak up the chants from the Shed End, East and West stands and the Matthew Harding.

It was there where the "Super Frank" banner was on show and his name was chanted with gusto.

Like at the Etihad Stadium in September, it was an emotional moment that even the coldest of hearts wouldn't have been warmed by.

As a club, Chelsea did little to mark Lampard's return. It wasn't a snub, but more to ensure his presence didn't steal the show.

John Terry had some complimentary words in his programme notes, but outside of that you wouldn't have known Lampard was back at Stamford Bridge.

Given what we witnessed, it was the only talking point of note, however.

If Fabregas' hamstring injury proves serious, Chelsea are going to have big problems in the coming weeks.

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Without him they lacked dynamism in midfield. Ramires battled and did an excellent job to snuff out the threat of City's attacks, but this is Chelsea we're talking about here—they're better than that.

This was proof more than ever that it's Fabregas who makes them tick and Chelsea need their Spanish maestro back to full fitness as soon as possible.

So much is relying on it.

Mourinho refused to speak with the media after the game, following up on his no-show for his pre-match press conference on Friday.

So while we didn't hear his thoughts on the game, it's safe to say he'll be the happiest of the managers.

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Chelsea got away with this one. Against a City team virtually at full strength, they didn't lose despite their own problems. The gap at the top of the table remains five points and leaves Chelsea in command of the title race.

A victory would have made their position even stronger, but Manuel Pellegrini will lament not taking advantage when the opportunity seemed to present itself.

This was the last chance for either side to take points from each other this season and looking at the fixture list, it's difficult not to predict Chelsea at least maintaining their lead throughout February.

Next month they face Aston Villa away before Everton and Burnley travel to Stamford Bridge. All three teams have struggled this season and all three teams are in the bottom half of the table. On paper, title-winning teams should eat them for breakfast.

Chelsea need Fabregas back, though.

As for Lampard, this unpleasant chapter has finally ended. He's had his moment to celebrate his career with the fans who loved him so much; they've said their goodbyes.

If he doesn't help City to the Premier League title, the past few months will feel like a horrible nightmare for the Chelsea faithful.

Chelsea fans will be hoping that, much like his Stamford Bridge return, the end of City's season will be another anti-climax.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes