Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari declared Frank Lampard the best midfielder in the world after their 5-0 demolition of Sunderland.

Lampard scored the 100th league goal of his career with a second-half header, to go with an opening goal from Brazilian defender Alex and a hat-trick from Nicolas Anelka.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane was sent to the stands for the second half after remonstrating with referee Martin Atkinson in the tunnel at half-time.

But Chelsea manager Scolari tempered his disappointment at losing Ashley Cole with a first-half calf injury for next week's Champions League encounter against Roma by revelling in the form of Lampard.

Scolari said: "Lampard can score 150 goals in his career. One goal every two or three games is fantastic for a midfielder.

"I think this season we need to think who is the best in the world. It is Frank Lampard."