Not even another goal from talisman Olivier Giroud could give Chelsea coach Frank Lampard the change in fortune he needs, as his team drew 1-1 with Aston Villa in the Premier League.

That makes it just one win in the past five games for Lampard, who recruited heavily during the summer transfer window to mount a title challenge yet still seems unsure what his best side is.

Sixth-placed Chelsea are six points behind leaders Liverpool, having played one game more than the defending champions. “This is our tough period at the moment, and we have to fight for it and we’ll be stronger for it,” Lampard said on Monday after the game.

“I thought we deserved to win the game, but we didn’t and we continue to go through a difficult patch.”

Giroud’s goals late last season inspired Chelsea to secure a place in this season’s Champions League and vindicated Lampard’s decision to give the veteran France forward a run of games. After starting Tammy Abraham in the past two league outings, he went for Giroud this time and the Frenchman put Chelsea ahead with an excellent diving header from Ben Chilwell’s cross in the 34th minute.

Ronaldo plans ‘many years’ playing as 36th birthday looms

Approaching his 36th birthday in February, Cristiano Ronaldo has no intention of slowing down.

“I still feel good, sharp and in a good moment in my life,” the Juventus and Portugal star said in a video interview. “I hope to play many, many years more, but you never know.”

The forward still has another full season on his contract at Juventus, expiring in 2022 when retirement won’t be considered. “If you feel motivated, it doesn’t matter. Cristiano now is good,” he said. “When I speak with the young boys, I’m always giving advice to them that I say, ‘Enjoy the moment because we never know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Something can happen in your life with your family’.”

It’s tougher than expected for Juventus this season, with the nine-time defending Serie A champions unusually low in sixth place — 10 points behind leader AC Milan — albeit with 25 games remaining.

“My eyes see the future very, very bright,” Ronaldo said. “So, I’m happy with that.” Happy too that he has won titles with Lisbon club Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. Winning the European Championship with Portugal in 2016 leaves the World Cup as the only major prize to elude him.