Chelsea down Blackburn Rovers 2-0 via second half goals from Anelka and Ivanovic
Chelsea down Blackburn Rovers 2-0 via second half goals from Anelka and Ivanovic
Nicolas Anelka and Branislav Ivanovic struck second-half goals that secured Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Blackburn on Saturday and eased the pressure on Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti's side were by no means at their best, but having won just one of their previous nine league games, it was vital they claimed victory to avoid losing more ground in the battle to finish in the top four.
In the circumstances there was huge relief around Stamford Bridge as first Ivanovic and then Anelka took advantage of Blackburn's failure to deal with Chelsea corners.
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Ancelotti had indicated before the game he was considering making changes, making it clear that his patience with some of his under-performing players was beginning to wear thin.
As it was Michael Essien, Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda, the three players whose positions were believed to be under threat, started as the Chelsea manager kept faith with the old guard.
And it appeared that faith would be justified as the home side made a positive start, immediately forcing Blackburn backwards and creating a clear chance inside the opening two minutes.
Essien should have done better than head wide from a Lampard cross while Drogba's hopeful long range shot was a sign of Chelsea's growing impatience.
The pace of Hoilett threatened to cause problems for the home side. And it was the Rovers midfielder who came closest to giving the visitors a shock lead.
But Ivanovic eased home nerves when he turned home from close range in the 57th minute. Then, Drogba won a corner after seeing his 76th minute shot saved by Paul Robinson and Ivanovic this time turned provider, heading down for Anelka to flick home for his first league goal since the trip to Blackburn in October.
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