Chelsea beat Blackburn 2-0 at Ewood Park in a clash that will be remembered for a penalty that was given and one that wasn’t.
After a lack-lustre first half John Terry, according to the referee Mark Clattenburg, was hauled to the ground by Blackburn debutant, Andre Ooijer, with Frank Lampard converting the penalty.
With Blackburn pressing for an equaliser, Ricardo Carvalho blatantly tugged the shirt of Jason Roberts but on this occasion Clattenburg simply waved play on.
To rub salt into Rovers festering wounds, Chelsea substitute Didier Drogba wrapped the game up with a blistering shot after shrugging off the challenge of Ooijer.
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Player Ratings
Petr Cech 7
Returned to the side after his shoulder injury and gave the defence some much needed authority. One save from Benni McCarthy was world class and kept Chelsea in front. Assured on crosses, welcome back Petr.
Khalid Boulahrouz 7
Made his Chelsea debut displacing Paulo Ferreira. Looked solid without giving too many clues as to how he’d cope when asked to advance down the flank. Promising debut.
John Terry 7
Once again gave a solid display. Commanded his defence and justifyably won the penalty. Dealt with the dual threat of McCarthy and Roberts well. Another assured display from the man who captains both club and country.
Ricardo Carvalho 7
Another who gave his all in defence but was lucky Mark Clattenburg didn’t see his blatant tug on Roberts shirt. Pushed up on numerous occasions and found himself alone in the box with Makelele in one sublime moment.
Wayne Bridge 7
Who needs Ashely Cole? Another gritty performance from a man who must be under intense pressure to deliver. Sound in defence and ventured forward with calm assurance delivering some telling crosses.
Claude Makelele 6
Received a yellow card for persistent fouling and gave the ball away too often for my liking. On the positive side, you have to admit the team has better balance when he plays.
Frank Lampard 7
Notched his first penalty in the PremiErship sInce last September. A comfortable afternoon rather than spectacular but some late runs into the box should have received better passes for him to run on to.
Michael Ballack 6
Slow introduction to the Premiership but the German captain has this aura about him that suggests he doesn’t have to bust a gut to be world class, it’ll come for Ballack in a Chelsea shirt – mark my words.
Michael Essien 7
Never stopped working throughout the whole game. One bust up with Robbie Savage saw the Welshman receive a yellow card when the carding could have gone either way.
Andriy Shevchenko 6
Not one of his better days but never gave up and he knows, as we all know, that he’ll thrive in this league given the service.
Salomon Kalou 6
Surprisingly selected ahead of Drogba but battled well. Looked to have the beating of Ooijer but in a poor chelsea performance in the first half was never granted a clear cut scoring opportunity.
Dider Drogba 8
Brought an added threat to the side and gave a wonderful cameo display. Sheer persistence saw him net the second goal and if a spell on the bench is what he needs to wind him up then expect more of the same from Mourinho.
Wright-Phillips 5
Late introduction meant he never had a chance to influence the game.
Very late introduction meant only a cameo role.
Manager Rating
Mourinho – Knows his options are limited with Joe Cole and Arjen Robben out injured but pulled off a managerial masterstroke in getting twenty minutes of the best Drogba can deliver.
Opponent Rating
Hughes – Wil be disappointed about the penalty given and the one not give. His side sit bottom of the Premiership but he knows they can do better and will.