Lampard says he'll send text message to Mount after Chelsea goal helps Everton

Frank Lampard has revealed that he'll send Mason Mount a message of thanks for doing Everton a favour in the Premier League relegation battle.

The Chelsea star scored his side's first goal in their 3-0 demolition of 10-man Leeds United at Elland Road, building confidence for Saturday's FA Cup final against Liverpool. Mount's opener in the fourth minute set the Blues off to a rousing start before Dan James was sent off for an ill-timed tackle on Mateo Kovacic. Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the three points in the second half, keeping Leeds top of the drop zone and Everton two points clear.

Meanwhile on Wednesday night, the Toffees could only manage a 0-0 draw at second-bottom Watford and Lampard made sure to thank Mount for helping his team out. "It was useful, I'll send him a message of thanks later," the former Chelsea boss and club legend, who also managed Mount at Derby County, told beIN Sport.

"Those things are out of your hands but, you know, Mason's a fantastic player and I'm pleased he's those numbers because he's a player of such a high level and those numbers reflect it. So, brilliant for him. Chelsea did us a favour getting that result but, as I say, we have to make sure we do our thing to get this over the line and that's now in front of us."

Liverpool legend Greame Souness raved about Mount's performance on Sky Sports, declaring: "What a boy this is. I think he's top-class. I remember Chelsea fans doubting him a couple of years ago, there's nothing to doubt about him.

"He's energetic, he's a workaholic, he's got great skill, an eye for a pass. He's just a top player at such a young age. Mason Mount and Reece James, two young lads, were the two best players on the pitch tonight."

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Blues manager Thomas Tuchel, who is now preparing to lead his side out at Wembley this Saturday, added: "We needed a performance like that. We deserved to win. That's the best message. We were excellent right from the start and kept our focus and high intensity. We cleared the air after the late equaliser against Wolves [last Saturday]. We knew what was waiting.

"We had a lot of reason to trust ourselves. The players delivered. Full credit to them. We arrive [at the FA Cup final] with a clear mindset because we did what we needed to do this week. Good news."