Frank Lampard is the best midfielders in the world

The England star notched two goals in Chelsea's 3-0 win at home to Birmingham City on Wednesday night.

Florent Malouda opened the scoring in the fifth minute but a brace from Lampard helped move Chelsea one point ahead of Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a match in hand.

Ancelotti singled Lampard out for special praise and the former West Ham United star now has 10 goals under his belt for the season.

Ancelotti said: "We use all the pitch to attack and so Frank is able to run into the box to score. I think he's the best running midfielder in the world. He has this fantastic quality to time his run into the box.

"It's good we are back at the top. We have one more point with a game in hand on United and two points more than Arsenal.

"That's important because on Sunday United play Arsenal. Maybe we can improve our position on Saturday.

"Our philosophy and aims won't change - to play good football and win. We won't change. We'll maintain the same system."