Frank Lampard scored his 100th career goal as Chelsea overcame the disappointment of two draws in the last seven days to beat Blackburn 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. The England midfielder had a hand in the first three goals, scoring two after crossing for Didier Drogba to net a 10th-minute opener. Four minutes later Andy Todd was penalised for holding John Terry and Lampard fired home the penalty.
However, Rovers hit back in the 18th minute when Ricardo Carvalho fouled Zurab Khizanishvili and Craig Bellamy converted from the spot. A Petr Cech blunder handed Blackburn an equaliser when, in the last minute of the first half, the keeper miskicked a backpass from Asier Del Horno straight up in the air and allowed Bellamy to capitalise and score his second of the match.
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes was sent to the stands 10 minutes into the second half for his constant complaining from the touchline and his attitude did not improve after Chelsea went ahead again in the 62nd minute when Lampard's inswinging free-kick missed everyone and went straight in to bring up his century. Joe Cole then added a deflected fourth in the 74th minute.
Chelsea Cech, Gallas, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno, Makelele, Wright-Phillips (Robben 68), Lampard, Essien, Joe Cole (Gudjohnsen 78), Drogba (Crespo 80).
Subs Not Used: Paulo Ferreira, Cudicini.
Booked: Joe Cole.
Goals: Drogba 10, Lampard 14 pen, 62, Joe Cole 74.
Blackburn Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Todd, Gray, Emerton, Savage (Mokoena 77), Tugay (Reid 72), Pedersen, Bellamy, Kuqi (Dickov 75).
Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Bentley.
Booked: Pedersen, Tugay, Khizanishvili, Dickov, Reid.
Goals: Bellamy 18 pen, 44.
Att: 41,553
Ref: M Riley (W Yorkshire).
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