We rate the players in the game between Blackburn and Chelsea at Ewood Park on Sunday.

By Abhishek Mehrotra

Blackburn

Jason Brown - 6

Could have done better with Didier Drogba's sidefooted shot - but was assured otherwise.

Phil Jones - 7

The teenager was thrown into the deep end by being tasked to mark Drogba and after the first goal - did a great job. Stuck tightly to his man, cleared with confidence and was never caught out of position.

Chrisopher Samba - 7.5

His enormous physical presence was necessary in keeping the likes of Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou quiet - especially after Chelsea had threatened to bury the match in the first half itself. Was lucky when the referee did not notice a blatant block on Anelka when the striker was through on goal.Was Blackburn's rock in defence when Chelsea laid siege to their goal in the last 15 minutes.

Martin Olsson - 5.5

Managed to get forward with encouraging regularity for the Rovers but his final ball was quite poor - either landing straight into the keeper's hands or going out of play.

Michel Salgado - 7

It was a vastly improved performance from the veteran after his travails against Tottenham. Made up for his lack of pace with brilliant anticipation - cutting off balls before the situation became threatening. Was given time to cross and showed what he can do with a pinpoint delivery that allowed Rovers to draw level.

Keith Andrews - 6.5

Linked up well with Steven Nzonzi and the backline to absorb the pressure. Was guilty of losing possession at times by aimlessly bunting the ball forward.

David Dunn - 6

Was Blackburn's leading attacking light in the first half - manfully playing in the huge gap between the midfield and sole striker Nikola Kalinic. Stole balls from right under Chelsea's noses andtried his best to get Rovers moving forward.

Steven Nzonzi - 7

Another hero in defence for Rovers. Repelled wave after wave of Blues - especially in the first half and ensured that the damage was restricted to just one goal.

Morten Gamst Pedersen - 6

Grew in stature as the game progressed - with his left-foot having a greater say in proceedings in the second half. Set up quite a few attacks for the home team and his set-piece delivery caused disturbance in the Chelsea ranks. Moved back to help out in defence to help Blackburn see out a frenetic last few minutes.

El-Hadji Diouf - 8

Blackburn's player of the match - at least in an attacking sense. His pitbull tendencies came to the fore and he fought for every possible ball and a few impossible ones too. Stole up behind Paulo Ferriera to head the ball into the net - which restored parity for his team.

Nikola Kalinic - 3.5

Looked extremely isolated up front -with only Dunn providing him occasional support. Did not have the strength to win the long balls against John Terry and Alex.

Subs

Brett Emerton - 6.5

Did some good work on the right, coming in in place of the influential Dunn. Was instrumental in Blackburn upping the tempo in the second half with fearless running at the defenders and precise passing.

Jason Roberts - 6

Looked far more threatening than Kalinic and was not afraid to take John Terry on. Drew a number of fouls from the Chelsea captain and shifted the momentum of the game towards Blackburn in the second half.

David Hoilett - n.a

Chelsea

Ross Turnbull - 5

His brave work in coming out time and again to clear the ball in a crowded penalty area was blotted when he was beaten at his near post by Diouf's header.

John Terry - 5.5

Stopped Kalinic effectively but looked frazzled against Jason Roberts. Was a constant aerial threat from set-pieces but his head was just not at its swivelling best on the night.
 
Alex - 6

No nonsense defending from the burly centre-back got Chelsea out of some hairy positions. Was able to cover up for Terry's discomfort against Jason Roberts.

Paulo Ferreira - 4

Started off looking quite lively on the left - but was let down by that old weakness of being unable to play off either foot. Wasted precious time in transferring the ball to his right foot which allowed Blackburn to close him down. Stood off Salgado and gave him time to cross the ball into the box for Diouf to head in the equaliser.

Branislav Ivanovic - 5

It was a promising performance by the right back but he was unfortunately forced off with an injury late in the first half.

John Mikel Obi - 4

Barely had anything to do in the first half but was given a working over by Diouf in the second. The Blackburn goal scorer was constantly at Mikel's heels which led to numerous misplaced passes and hurried clearances.

Frank Lampard - 5

It looked like he would lord over the midfield - the way things unfolded. His first touches were sublime and the timing of runs impeccable - but Blackburn tightened things in the centre of midfield which took away the space Lampard so craves. His influence waned considerably as the match progressed.

Florent Malouda - 5

Another midfielder who started as if on a mission. Played in a narrower role than in his previous outing and cut Rovers open with superb control. Was selfish in opting to shoot when he could have passed to a better placed player. Blackburn did a good job of closing him down late on.

Salomon Kalou - 6.5

Was one of the better Blues on the pitch. Seemed to revel in a central attacking role with Drogba and Anelka on either side. Combnied well with both and slid around the Blackburn players as if on skates. Unlucky not be rewarded with a goal.

Didier Drogba - 7

Not quite the dominating performance we have come to expect from the big man. Could not get the better of Jones - a greenhorn - although he did manage to slip away early on to slot the ball past Brown. Anelka gave him good service for the rest of the match but Drogba was unable to capitalise.

Nicolas Anelka - 7.5

Chelsea's player of the match. His movement both on and off the ball was silken and he single handedly set up the first goal with a mazy run from midfield. Was a constant threat throughout the match - cutting in time and again from the right. It was only the superb Chris Samba who stopped him from adding a goal to the assist.

Subs

Yuri Zhirkov - 5

Was not very penetrating on the right flank, although a couple of passes to Anelka were good.

Deco - 6

Gave Chelsea the chance to take the lead again with some lovely teasing balls into the box late on.

Daniel Sturridge - n.a