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Ghana's Michael Essien scored a magnificent goal as Chelsea produced an impressive attacking display to expose Blackburn's flaws and claim a thumping 5-0 win which sends them top of the English Premier League. They opened the scoring when Gael Givet diverted Nicolas Anelka's cross into his own net and Frank Lampard fired home from close range to make it two. Michael Essien curled in from distance before Lampard slotted a penalty after Ryan Nelson tripped Didier Drogba. If Blackburn had any inclination to strike back, all remaining resolve dissipated on 52 minutes when Michael Essien unleashed a 35-yard strike that thundered past Robinson. Blackburn allowed Essien time and space to line up his shot, with Steven N�zonzi making but a token effort to close down his opponent. Drogba completed the rout, out-jumping Nelson to head in Lampard's corner. The win was Chelsea's biggest ever against Blackburn and sees them leapfrog Manchester United, who face Liverpool on Sunday.