Chelsea moved to within nine points of leaders Manchester United after a comprehensive 3-1 victory at Bloomfield Road which saw Frank Lampard score twice.

The Blues controlled the match throughout the ninety minutes and the outcome was rarely in doubt after John Terry had headed the Blues in front after twenty minutes.

Carlo Ancelotti decided to pair Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres in attack, although the Spaniard went a fifth game without scoring despite having a series of chances against a team that now have to prepare for a scrap against relegation.

Blackpool were guilty of failing to mark properly midway through the first half which allowed Terry to nod home a Lampard corner, although the Tangerines did rally after falling behind and gave the visitors cause for concern.

However, Salomon Kalou was introduced for the injured Drogba at the start of the second half and the Ivorian was brought down in the penalty area shortly afterwards, with Lampard stepping up to beat Richard Kingson from ten yards.

A few minutes later and the England midfielder slotted home from close range with the Blackpool defence in total disarray, although Torres should really have added a fourth when bearing down on goal.

It was Jason Puncheon who had the final say for Blackpool when finishing smartly from the left side of the penalty area to continue the Tangerines’ record of scoring in every home match this season although they now have to roll their sleeves up and fight for their Premier League survival.

Chelsea are now a best price 8/1 with bookmakers Blue Square and Sky Bet to win the Premier League.

Blackpool are now EVS to be relegated from the Premier League with bookmakers bet365 and Stan James.