Chelsea down Blackburn Rovers 2-0 via second half goals from Anelka and Ivanovic

Nicolas Anelka and Branislav Ivanovic struck second-half goals that secured Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Blackburn on Saturday and eased the pressure on Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti's side were by no means at their best, but having won just one of their previous nine league games, it was vital they claimed victory to avoid losing more ground in the battle to finish in the top four.

In the circumstances there was huge relief around Stamford Bridge as first Ivanovic and then Anelka took advantage of Blackburn's failure to deal with Chelsea corners.

Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka (airborne) shoots as Blackburn Roversu00a0 goalkeeper Paul Robinson (right) tries to make a save during their English Premier Leagueu00a0 matchu00a0 at Stamford Bridge,u00a0 on Saturday. PIC/AFP