CHELSEA saw their tentative grasp on the Premier League trophy slip as they threw away two points at Ewood Park.
Manchester United's earlier 2-1 win at Old Trafford meant that Chelsea knew that they had to win to stay in realistic contention for the league.
It took just over five minutes for the Blues to show their intent. Nicolas Anelka jinked down the right side, rounding the hapless Blackburn defence, before cutting back for Didier Drogba who was right on the penalty spot.
The Ivorian's true slot evaded the outstretched arm of Jason Brown to record his 28th goal of the season.
Chelsea looked to be cruising, with the main concern coming towards the end of he first half, in the form of a Branislav Ivanovic ankle injury.
The Serbian didn't require the stretcher, hobbling off under his own devices; but he is likely to be missed when the Blues travel to Fratton Park on Wednesday.
But the visitors didn't take further advantage of their superiority, and had a lucky escape right after the re-start, when Ross Turnbull flapped at a Chris Samba header on the box.
It looked goal-bound, but substitute Yuri Zhirkov was there to head off the line.
As the second half progressed, Blackburn looked more at home in the rain. Despite calls from the Chelsea fans to bring on Joe Cole, Carlo Ancelotti was having none of it.
Michel Salgado delivered a series of cross-field balls from Blackburn's right, causing repeated trouble. And it was on 70mins one of these found El Hadji Diouf on the corner of he box,to nod home the equaliser.
United finish the day four points clear of Chelsea, who have one game in hand.
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