Chelsea 2 Blackburn Rovers 0

Last updated : 10 June 2009 By Paul Lagan
Chelsea rounded off their home season by securing an emphatic 2-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers.

Strikes by Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka saw off Rovers in an entertaining match which also gave the Chelsea fans the chance to applaud temporary Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink for his efforts.

The Dutchman leaves Stamford Bridge and returns to his Russia national team job on a full-time basis later this month.

Chelsea's first attack almost reaped dividends on three minutes when Malouda had a shot on goal. However, the ball fell to Frank Lampard who swivelled and shot first time only to see his eight-yard left-footer rebound off Gael Givet to safety.

Seconds later Malouda powered the home side into the lead with a fierce diving header from just inside Rovers' penalty area, connecting to Anelka's right-wing cross with such venom that it gave Paul Robinson no chance.

Anelka almost doubled the lead on ten minutes when Ashley Cole's cross was met by the French striker, but his right-footed shot from eight yards was well saved by Robinson.

Blackburn had a half-chance on 17 minutes when a Tugay cross bisected the Chelsea rearguard and Christopher Samba snuck in on the far post to volley with his left foot a ball across Petr Cech's path but wide of the goal.

A minute later and a counter-attack saw Lampard arrow a smart left footer off the visitors' crossbar.

Malouda was unlucky not to score on 29 minutes when the left winger lobbed Robinson. The ball seemed destined for the goal until Givet appeared and hacked the ball clear.

Morten Gamst Pedersen got in on the act a minute later, his fine 25-yard shot forcing Cech into a diving save.

Chelsea started the second half on the front foot with Malouda and Anelka both having good half-chances.

The crowd even got into the end-of-season mood, chanting Hiddink's name and the man himself stood up and gave a bow to all four corners of the ground.

On 57 minutes, Chelsea had a fair shout for a penalty when Keith Andrews clearly held back Cole, but referee Rob Styles simply waved play on.

But 60 seconds later not even Styles could disallow Anelka's goal.

The ball zipped across Rovers' penalty area, from left to right. Didier Drogba tapped a neat pass to Anelka, who unleashed a low, right-footed drive from the edge of the box and past the despairing dive of Robinson.

Rovers' best player, Tugay, forced Petr Cech to make a save when the Turkish midfielder let fly with a crisp 30 yarder which the keeper did well to get his body behind.

There were no more goals but none were needed. Chelsea had a good run-out ahead of the FA Cup Final and Blackburn were happy not to be routed.