Joe Cole gift for Chelsea

A 22nd minute goal by Joe Cole was the perfect tonic for Chelsea as they earned themselves a well deserved 1-0 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park in the Premiership on Sunday. There could've been more goals in the game, if not for the woodwork and great goalkeeping by Petr Cech and Brad Friedel.

Rovers had dominated the opening exchanges, only for Cole to fire home the opener in the 22nd minute with a searing first-time drive from just outside the area. Mark Hughes’ side, though, should at least have been level as the crossbar thwarted David Bentley and Steven Reid, while the woodwork also denied Frank Lampard his 100th goal for Chelsea.

Blackburn should have levelled on 32 minutes, if not for the woodwork and Petr Cech's excellent goalkeeping.

Then it was Chelsea’s turn to be denied by the frame of the goal as the Rovers defence allowed Frank Lampard an opportunity on goal which Friedel deflected on to the post.

Chelsea will be happy with three points which keeps them in touch with Arsenal and Man Utd at the top.