Spirited Derby come up just short on Lampard's return

Chelsea's top scorer of all time returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time as a manager to an incredible reception from the Chelsea faithful, who sang his name throughout the clash.

With the 'Blues' in stunning form in the Premier League, fans could have been forgiven for thinking they would run away with the game after they went ahead in the fifth minute. 

A Chelsea player got the goal, but he was not playing for the home team, as in a bizarre turn of events loanee Fikayo Tomori sliced a cross into his own net, in a barely believable beginning to the clash. 

However spectators thinking this would make the game a forgone conclusion were proved wrong five minutes later as Jack Marriott pulled the 'Rams' level, with a composed finsih. 

After poor work from Gary Cahill, former Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone played a brilliant reverse pass into the forward who finished low and hard across Willy Caballero. 

Martyn Waghorn then missed a guilt edged chance to put his side ahead as he fell over the ball when put through one versus one.

Within four minutes he wa left to rue his miss even more as in even more unbelievable circumstances Richard Keogh became the second Derby centre-back to miscue a clearance, from a cross from the right, into his own net.

However Lampard's men showed their mettle again as they drew level for the second time, with Waghorn earning his reprieve as he tapped in Mason Mount's cross, the youngster leaving Chelsea to perhaps rue their decision of letting him play against his parent club.

The action packed first half didn't stop there as at the third time of asking a Chelsea player was responsible for one of their team's goals.

Neat build up play allowed Cesc Fabregas space in the box to shoot past Scott Carson, but Derby were left incensed after what seemed a clear foul by Davide Zappacosta in the build up was not awarded. 

Half time came and the crowd were allowed to catch their breath after a manic 45 minutes. 

The second half looked like it would see the game peter out, with the only chances coming for Chelsea from set pieces. 

However as full time loomed Derby were brave enough to bombard the Chelsea goal, with Keogh, Marriott and Mount all denied by Caballero. 

David Nugent must have thought he'd equalised when he beat the former Manchester City goalkeeper with two minutes left, but his shot rebounded off the upright and across the goal line. 

The Premier League side must have been relieved when the final whistle came, as Lampard's men were denied the chance of at least a penalty shoot out by some bad luck and missed chancess.