MANUEL PELLEGRINI HAS accused Chelsea of playing like a “small team” in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.

City were reduced to 10 men in the second half after Pablo Zabaleta’s dismissal and went behind following Andre Schurrle’s strike from close range.

But Frank Lampard, on as a substitute, scored against his former club with five minutes remaining to salvage a point for City.

And Pellegrini has likened Chelsea’s mentality to Stoke City’s, despite the fact Mark Hughes’ men beat the Premier League champions at the Etihad Stadium in August.

“One big team playing as a big team. One big team playing as a small team, like Stoke,” said Pellegrini.

The Chilean also praised Lampard following the 36-year-old’s first goal for City since arriving on loan at the start of August.

“He’s a top player,” Pellegrini said. “When I talked with him about staying with our team before he goes to New York and he said yes, I was sure he would be a very important player for us.

“I asked him if he wants to be involved today, and of course he wants to be involved. He’s a great professional. I congratulate him because it’s not easy but he always wanted to be involved.”

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