CHELSEA towered over Blackpool thanks to a Frank Lampard brace which may just have reignited title hopes back at Stamford Bridge.

But the Blues will have to wait for another day before they will be able to celebrate Fernando Torres' first goal for the club.

Blackpool's Tangerines started without star men Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell: suspended for the match.

Chelsea, however, went with their full embarrassment of riches: Carlo Ancelotti naming Torres, Didier Drogba , and new defender David Luiz – who was a doubt following last Tuesday's victory over Manchester United – in his starting XI.

Things got off to a start almost as bright as Blackpool's day-glow shirts, on a pitch that would not best please the green keepers at Royal Lytham golf course down the road.

The home side made a good account of themselves in the opening quarter hour: taking the game to Chelsea in what became an enthralling end-to end-spectacle.

Lampard's corner in the 20th minute broke the deadlock: finding an unmarked John Terry to thrust a trademark header past keeper Richard Kingson.

Despite the deficit, Blackpool had no intention of rolling over: a flowing Jason Puncheon move forcing Petr Cech to turn the ball onto his own post on the half-hour.

Ian Evatt brought another top class save out of the Chelsea keeper five minutes later.

The second half started in the same pulsating way as the first had ended. But Blackpool pressure failed to pay off.

Saloman Kalou , on for an injured Dorgba, darted into the box on the hour and was upended by Evatt. Lampard, who seldom has problems with spot kicks, slotted this one into the back of the net to double the lead.

The cushion gave Chelsea confidence, and opened-up Blackpool.

Moments later Kalou passed to Lampard on the edge of the box, for the midfielder to storm into and shoot across the keeper for his second, and Chelsea's third.

The home side were roused by the consolation goal they deserved right at the last: as Jason Puncheon shot through Luiz' legs to beat Cech in goal.

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