The Blues beat the runaway league leaders to book a place in the last eight of the Cup Lampard won four times as a Chelsea player. A significant step was taken on the path to more glory in the competition courtesy of goals in each half from Willian and Ross Barkley, and a first clean sheet in almost two months.

‘It was an impressive performance,’ said Lampard. ‘It’s hard to be comprehensive against Liverpool because they remain in the game because of the team they are, but I can’t ask any for any more: the spirit, the work ethic, the quality.

‘You have to defend really well to keep a clean sheet against them, and we did. We defended with everything, played well, and deserved to win the game.

‘In the first two games against Liverpool we might have played some better football, and had more control of the ball, but today we had an extra spirit about us.

‘We can compete with the big teams, but what wins or loses games is what you do in both boxes,’ added Lampard.

‘Today we got an occasional slice of luck defensively, but with some quality from Kepa and quality defending from individuals, and we took two chances that won us the game. Those are the rules.

‘We are trying to close the gap to the opponent today, and to do that we have to find consistency.’