BLACKBURN Rovers trail to a Nicolas Anelka goal at half time in virtual monsoon conditions against Chelsea at Ewood Park.

Incessant rain, which has made passing difficult on an almost waterlogged pitch, meant the referee had to decide at half time whether to finish the match.

He did decide to continue, though, providing conditions do not deteriorate further.

Chelsea went ahead in the 39th minute when Jose Bosingwa's 35-yard effort deflected off Anelka and trickled through the puddles and into the net, with Rovers keeper Paul Robinson appealing in vain for offside against the Blues striker.

Chelsea had dominated the opening stages, with Anelka having a penalty appeal turned down as he went round Robinson, while Florent Malouda had several early efforts.

Carlos Villanueva's curling effort was kept out by Petr Cech at the other end before Robinson denied the dangerous Anelka for Chelsea.

Vince Grella went off injured in the closing stages of the half, to be replaced by Aaron Mokoena.