Anelka's double proves perfect birthday blessing

LONDON: Chelsea gave Luiz Felipe Scolari the perfect birthday present as the Blues returned to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win against Blackburn on Sunday.

Less than 24 hours after being knocked out of first place by Liverpool, Scolari's side were back in pole position thanks to Nicolas Anelka's double-strike at rain-lashed Ewood Park.

Chelsea, who lead Liverpool on goal difference, went ahead when Jose Bosingwa's long-range strike hit Anelka on the leg and trickled into the net past wrong-footed Rovers keeper Paul Robinson.