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“Frank Lampard Breaks Silence with Powerful Message Ahead of Sunderland’s Final Showdown
Lampard Hails ‘Imposing’ Ballard After Defender’s Last-Gasp Heroics Sink Coventry
Frank Lampard was full of praise for Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, calling him an “imposing presence” across both legs of the Championship play-off semi-final—even before his dramatic late winner sealed Sunderland’s place in the final.
Ballard had been a major injury concern heading into the play-offs, having been out since February with a hamstring issue.
But after making a brief comeback in Sunderland’s final regular-season game, head coach Regis Le Bris chose to start him in both legs of the semi-final, even at the expense of the in-form Chris Mepham.
The Northern Ireland centre-back repaid that faith with two commanding performances. His dominance in the air and fearless defending were key in shutting down Coventry’s attack.
And in a fitting end to his return, Ballard scored the decisive goal—heading in Enzo Le Fée’s corner deep into stoppage time at the end of extra time.
“He was outstanding,” said Lampard after the match. “He defended the box brilliantly in both games.
He’s a real presence back there, and for me, he was their man of the match across the tie.
You could just feel his influence. Credit to him—he had a great couple of games.”
While Sunderland’s players erupted in celebration following Ballard’s goal, Coventry were left heartbroken.
Liam Kitching, tasked with marking Ballard, could only bury his head in his hands.
Milan van Ewijk, already feeling the weight of his first-leg error, covered his face in anguish.
The devastation was clear as the Coventry squad left the pitch amid jubilant Sunderland fans.
Lampard, however, focused on consoling his players, praising their performance across both matches.
“My overriding feeling is pride,” he said. “Over two legs, I think we were the better team.
Congratulations to Sunderland—they got the goal at the very end to go through.
“But I’m so proud of how we played. To come here a goal down, in an intense atmosphere, and control so much of the game—especially in the second half—we deserved our equaliser and looked like the side that could go on to win.
That’s the nature of football. It can be ruthless. One moment decided it—and Sunderland took it.”
