Chelsea remained in touch with Arsenal at the top of the table with a professional performance in their 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

Joe Cole scored the only goal of the match in the 22nd minute with a brilliant close range shot past Brad Friedel while Steven Reid and Roque Santa Cruz came very close to restoring parity for Blackburn. Chelsea lost Petr Cech due to an injury midway through the second half with the Czech Republic international out for the festive period.

It was the hosts who looked more likely to open the scoring in the match with Santa Cruz going close in the third minute but his goal bound shot was blocked brilliantly by Ricardo Carvalho. Bentley had two good chances to break the deadlock but saw his first shot rise inches high of the target while his free kick smashed against the cross bar.

Chelsea made Blackburn pay for all the missed chances by taking the lead in the 22nd minute when Salomon Kalou released Joe Cole with a brilliant through ball and the winger made no mistake in slotting the ball past Friedel to put his side in front.

Andriy Shevchenko had a great chance of doubling the lead for Chelsea but his shot went high over the target from just eight yards out. At the other end, Blackburn continued to press ahead in search of an equalizer as Cech pulled off a great save to deny Reid.

Frank Lampard had two good chances to put the match beyond doubt, but was thwarted on both occasions thanks to some brilliant keeping by Friedel. With Blackburn unable to hit the back of the net, it was three points in the bag for Chelsea as they continued to remain in touch with Arsenal and Manchester United at the top of the league table.