As PR blunders go it was hardly on the scale of Gerald Ratner 's infamous quip that one of his jewellery company 's products was ' c*** ' . But Manchester City 's decision to extend Frank Lampard 's contract to the end of the season , rather than allowing him to move as planned to sister club New York City , left many questioning whether the powers-that-be in Abu Dhabi believed their new American operation was an inferior product . Some in the Big Apple , who had already shelled out for season tickets , demanded refunds . In the home of Broadway , others rather dramatically branded it a betrayal . Frank Lampard ( left ) closes down James Morrison during Manchester City 's 3-0 win over West Brom . Lampard reacts after he hit the post during his side 's victory over the Baggies at the Etihad on Saturday . It was not , and the reality is that Spain legend David Villa was always a bigger draw in a city with a huge Hispanic population . Regardless , some may now be questioning the logic of keeping Lampard in Manchester , rather than Manhattan , after the media storm the decision triggered . Since January 1 , when the former Chelsea man was expected to cross the Atlantic , City have encountered choppy waters . Knocked out the FA Cup they are now six points behind Lampard 's former club , out of the FA Cup and out of the Champions League . Not that he can be blamed for that . Lampard has made 30 appearances for City this season , but many of those have been cameos from the bench . At 36 , Lampard was never intended to be a regular starter , but given the ferocity of the response to his extended stay , City fans may have expected more . Manuel Pellegrini has given the former England man just 190 out of 990 Premier League minutes following the turn of the year . In that period he has scored once , in a 3-2 victory over Sunderland on New Year 's Day . Should City stage a miraculous defence of their title , that may prove key but it is unlikely . Even with Yaya Toure absent in Africa and his remaining midfielders looking like they were operating on separate Continents the Chilean was reluctant to turn to a man who has won more Premier League trophies than the club he plays for . Former Spain and Barcelona star David Villa ( centre ) in action for New York City . Lampard , belatedly , did start Saturday 's 3-0 stroll over West Brom . He was steady and kept things ticking over before being substituted with the game long won . As Pellegrini pointed out after that canter , the season is not over and there are still 24 points to play for as they head into the final furlong . However , if the decision to keep Lampard here is to be justified he must turn more often to his thoroughbred .
Frank Lampard signed for New York City before delaying his MLS arrival to finish the Premier League season playing for Manchester City . City have been knocked out of New Year 's Day and are now six points Premier League leaders Chelsea . Lampard started in City 's recent 3-0 victory against West Brom . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester City news .