Chelsea travelled north for a fixture with Blackburn knowing that back-to-back Premiership titles were in the bag. However, two more wins would give us a record 97 points for the season 2005-2006. Sadly it was not to be.
With the title already won, Mourinho chose to make eight changes with Cudicini, Geremi, Del Horno, Diarra, Maniche, Wright-Phillips, Crespo and Gudjohnsen coming in for Cech, Ferreira, Terry, Makelele, Essien, J.Cole, Drogba and Robben.
However, the expected opportunity to rest Lampard ahead of the forthcoming World Cup didn?t materialise. Although Mourinho had previously stated that he wasn?t interested in chasing records, the selection left no doubt that he wasn?t prepared to gift wrap Blackburn the two points they need for UEFA Cup qualification.
Chelsea took to the pitch to a guard of honour from a Blackburn team who, just eighteen months ago, were second from bottom but under the guidance of Mark Hughes have progressed to the verge of European competition.
Blackburn made just one change from the team that played at Charlton with David Bentley replacing the injured Ryan Nelson.
Chelsea got the action under way but the early stages were a little devoid of action. Wright-Phillips forced a corner but the home defence easily coped and minutes later when Carvalho blocked an effort the visitors easily coped with the resulting corner.
However, as the half progressed both sides could have opened the scoring. Bellamy saw a flick hit the bar and Bentley should have done better with the rebound but drove it wide. Whilst at the other end a fine move involving Diarra and Geremi ended with Gudjohnsen hitting the post.
Unfortunately, just before half time, Blackburn did take lead. The goal came when Geremi was adjudged to have handled a cross. After play was held up whilst Geremi received a yellow card, Savage delivered a lovely free kick into the danger area. Initially it seemed to have evaded everyone and when it nestled in the net Savage took the plaudits. However, on closer inspection it appeared that Reid may well have got the final touch. Savage, who received a yellow card for his celebration, will probably be deprived of what he thought was his second Premiership goal of the season
The second half saw Duff replace Del Horno as Mourinho sought to rescue the game. The switch meant that Diarra moved to left back. Immediately Chelsea looked to have more attacking potential and a fine Geremi cross was met by Gudjohnsen but Friedel mange dot beat his effort away. Blackburn retaliated with an effort from Savage that Cudicini did well to save.
Chelsea forced two corners in quick succession but neither came to anything before Chelsea were denied three penalties. The first came when Wright-Phillips was tripped in the box, the second came when Lampard was fouled and the third for a blatant shirt pull on Crespo.
The introduction of Joe Cole saw Friedel forced into beating away a good drive but even the introduction of Carlton Cole couldn?t save the champions from being beaten.
Cudicini 7, Geremi 5 (C.Cole 6), Del Horno 5 (Duff 6), Gallas 7, Carvalho 7, Diarra 8, Maniche 5, Lampard 6, Wright-Phillips 5 (J.Cole 6), Crespo and Gudjohnsen.
Manager Rating
Mourinho ? The Special One knew that the title was in the bag and chose to make eight changes. With Diarra blooded in his first Premiership encounter Mourinho would have been pleased to see the French youngster provide a good opening forty-five minutes. When switched to left back he didn?t let the side down although Mourinho was quite rightly upset that Chelsea were denied three blatant penalties.
Opponent Rating
Hughes ? With UEFA Cup qualification so near Sparky may well have been a little wary of taking on a Chelsea side that had made eight changes. His side started slowly but Sparky would have been pleased at the couple of chances that his side created in the first half. In the second half it became a game of survival and his Blackburn side coped well. Good luck to Blackburn and Sparky in the UEFA Cup from all at Chelsea