A disappointing week for Chelsea has ended with points dropped at Ewood Park. Despite taking an early lead, the Blues could only draw 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers.
Petr Cech hadn’t recovered in time, so Ross Turnbull started his third consecutive game in goal. Yuri Zhirkov was only on the bench with Paulo Ferreira at left back, whilst Salomon Kalou came in for Michael Ballack.
Chelsea took the lead in the fifth minute, courtesy of Didier Drogba. Nicolas Anelka’s run down the right created the opening and when he cut the ball back to Drogba, the Ivorian made no mistake in slotting the ball home first time with his left foot.
Kalou and Anelka missed presentable chances, whilst Turnbull made a decent save from a Pedersen free kick. Malouda capitalised on a Blackburn turnover in midfield, but could only hit a powerful shot straight at Jason Brown who palmed it away from danger.
Zhirkov came on for the injured Ivanovic just before half time and had to make a crucial goal line clearance, after Turnbull flapped at a long throw from Pedersen. Jason Roberts was introduced for Nikola Kalinic, much to the chagrin of the Rovers fans.
However, their spirits were cheered when they scored the equaliser with twenty minutes to go. Salgado’s swirling cross was nodded in at the back post by Diouf. Turnbull perhaps could have done better as the ball went in at the near post, but it was a quality header from the Blackburn attacker.
There were no real chances to speak of as the match drew to a close, the 1-1 draw once more blowing the title race wide open.