Spirited Rovers lose to Chelsea

With both teams realistically playing for nothing, Chelsea out of the title race, and Blackburn's Premier League future finally secured, you could be excused for allowing the players to just go through the motions. However, both sides turned up, both sides played some entertaining football, however, in the end, Chelsea were more clinical, took advantage of Rovers errors in defence, and sent Guus Hiddink away with a rousing reception.

It all could of been different so early on. Gamst Pedersen took the ball on the edge of the box, however, shot with his right foot, straight at Petr Cech. Chelsea didnt take long to retaliate, a superbly centered cross found the held of the Flying winger Malouda, who slotted it into the top right corner of the goal from 16 yards. Chelsea 1 Blackburn 0.

To Blackburns Credit, led by Tugay in central midfield, they actually played some good football. It wasnt long ball after long ball, Gamst and Diouf were fed the ball on the flanks on several occasions, Villanueva had the ball at his feet around the box, however, Rovers were unable to take full advantage.

Chelsea continued to attack, with Lampard striking the post, and some last ditch defending preventing Drogba breaking through on goal.

The best chance of the half for Rovers fell to makeshift striker, Chris Samba. A delightful turn on the right flank from Diouf sent the ball over to the far post, however, Samba's misjudged header flew straight over. Nelsen picked up a knock, bringing Doran on, sending Samba back into the defence. Givet must have also picked up a knock, as he was substitued at the break by Zurab.

With the score only at 1-0, Rovers always had a shot, but Chelsea always had the upper hand. Lampard and Mikel controlled play in the midfield, running Tugay and Grella ragged. The Blues finally got the second goal, via neat play between Drogba and Anelka. The ball was sent out wide to Drogba, who cut the ball into Anelka. Just outside the box, Anelka placed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net, 2-0 Chelsea.

Rovers didnt hold back though, bringing on Benni McCarthy for Gamst. Chelsea however, stepped it up a gear, with Paul Robinson forced into a string of spectacular saves.

The Chants went up, their is only 1 Guus Hiddink, and Roman Sort it out, in reference to Guus leaving. Realistically, this was what the game was about today, Chelsea farewelling Mr Hiddink, who we Aussies are all to familiar with. Rovers however, did turn up, and to their credit, almost nicked a late consolation goal, with Diouf's curling effort just straying wide of the goal.

2-0 Chelsea

Paul Robinson- A string of fantastic saves kept Rovers in the hunt, and possibly an England Recall
Great effort from our Number 1, made some superb saves, keeping Anelka out from pin point range 3 times Solid from the Admiral, hope the calf strain is not too bad A few poor interceptions from Givet, surely he needs to be at his best as he fights for a permanent contract Credit to Keith, playing out of position, made some great tackles. Well done Looked dangerous heading forward, but was out paced a few times in defence Still not the Vince I know, passing game wasnt up to scratch, made some good interventions Fought all game, chased hard, definately will be missed Floated in and out of the game, as usual, tried to spark a few things but was left with nothing Solid game from Diouf. Lost the ball a few times, but did deliver some great crosses throughout the game. Corners werent up to scratch I hope this experiment does not continue next year. Get him back into defence, please Given his starting debut, Carlos tried his heart out, but was never favourite to beat Terry and his comrades in defence, still not sure what will happen Unfortunately, I dont really see much in this lad, not sure why Sam persists What can you say, the poor bugger finally gets a run onto the field. Did well Id be dissapointed if I was Benni. First Samba infront of him, then Gamst gets thrown up there before he does...Ouch

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