Nicolas Anelka's double secured a 2-0 win against Blackburn on Sunday that sent Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League. After Liverpool had taken pole position on Saturday, Luiz Felipe Scolari's team underlined their determination to regain the title with a ruthless display at rain-soaked Ewood Park.
The Blues lead Liverpool on goal difference and Scolari could celebrate his 60th birthday - he reached the milestone on Sunday - safe in the knowledge that his team remain in peak form. Anelka had several other opportunities before he gave Chelsea the lead as Jose Bosingwa's shot deflected off him and past the wrong-footed Paul Robinson.
His second had a touch more class to it as he produced a calm finish to take his goal tally to 11 for the season. The Blues' form away from Stamford Bridge remains awesome, with six wins from six and just one goal conceded in the Premier League.
Their victory was all the more impressive considering the terrible conditions at Ewood Park, with heavy rain leaving puddles on the playing surface. The west Londoners did their best to play their passing game for much of the opening period but after that it was all about their character. They were on top from the first whistle and Anelka should have opened the scoring after just four minutes when he raced onto Keith Andrews' under-hit back-pass. Anelka was impeded by Robinson and fell to the floor but referee Chris Foy was unmoved and waved for play to continue.
And in the 13th minute Anelka passed up another great opportunity when he headed straight at Robinson from six yards out after he was left unmarked for Bosingwa's cross. John Obi Mikel also had a header saved by Robinson's legs at the far post following Lampard's clipped cross from the right flank.
Chelsea continued to play a short passing game despite the horrible conditions and Robinson was forced into another scrambling save from Lampard's 25-yard drive. Blackburn finally managed a flowing move of their own and Andrews fed Stephen Warnock to cross from the left only for Carlos Villanueva's curling shot to be tipped away by Petr Cech.
Lampard's sliding challenge on Vince Grella set Salomon Kalou clear and the winger fed Anelka, who checked inside Ryan Nelsen and forced a fine one-handed save from Robinson. But five minutes before the break Chelsea finally took the lead in fortuitous circumstances.
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