English Premiership Football 2006-07 Blackburn 0:2 Chelsea

Champions Chelsea bounced back to winning ways but it was a hard fought victory against a plucky Blackburn side that mirror the fighting spirit of their manager Mark Hughes.

A second half Didier Drogba goal confirmed the win and helped to steady the ship after a less than convincing start to Chelseas season.

Two defeats from their first three matches, including a last minute reverse against a Middlesbrough side struggling to find their feet under the inexperienced leadership of Gareth Southgate had threatened to raise the alarm bells of the millionaires from Kings Road.

Indeed it was Blackburn who looked the likelier to score during the early exchanges, Robbie Savage relishing the opportunity to mix it with the talented Michael Ballack.

But Chelseas grip on the game tightened as the half wore on and they were rewarded with a penalty on the half hour as John Terry was unceremoniously hauled to the ground in the area.

Frank Lampard, released from the shackles that plague Englands penalty takers, strode forward and confidently struck the ball into the net, though fortunate that a stronger hand from Brad Friedel in the Blackburn goal would have kept the ball out.

Blackburn huffed and puffed in the second half but the wind was taken from their sails by the strength of Didier Drogba.

The Chelsea striker powered his way into the box and unleashed a ferocious shot that left the helpless Friedel clutching thin air.

The defeat leaves Blackburn rooted to the foot of the Premiership as the pressure begins to mount on boss Mark Hughes.

A disappointed Hughes said I felt John Terry went down very easily. The penalty completely changed the game.

"If we go down that road we're going to have three penalties in every match. There was no chance it was a penalty.

"We had a real claim when Jason Roberts had his shirt pulled. Overall we were much the better side."

Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, results and opinion at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_footballCharmaine Blog32272
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