Ancelotti admits to 'lucky' break

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Ancelotti encouraged by late winner

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side were fortunate to take all three points from a thrilling 2-1 success at Blackburn.

The leaders came from behind to maintain their five-point gap at the top of the Premier League table thanks to Branislav Ivanovic's late header.

But Ancelotti said: "Blackburn could have scored before our goal and we were a little bit lucky.

"To win here was important because they were better. We were not great again."

Ancelotti had called for a less fragmented display in the build-up to the match following last week's 2-0 win over Wolves.

606: DEBATE What a first half and what a performance by the lads. Never been prouder to be a Rovers fan Jerome Dubois

But Rovers, who wasted a great chance to go ahead through Jason Roberts just before Ivanovic scored, were on top before the break and the defeat was harsh - despite an improved second-half performance by Ancelotti's men.

"Blackburn put us under some pressure and we were not able to play our football," the Italian said.

"We knew it would be difficult to win here because Blackburn are a very good team with a lot of strength and physical ability.

"So it is very important to win here to maintain our position at the top. We are in good condition now and I hope we improve on this victory.

"We were heading for a draw then we had the fantastic play of Zhirkov and we were able to win this game."

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce felt his side could have done no more and deserved at least a point.

Allardyce determined to improve results

"They've got a punishing side to their game and they're ruthless. When they're being outplayed - and we outplayed them at times - they hang in there," Allardyce said.

"They're not in the game and they're not looking like scoring and we're in the ascendancy, then with three passes it's a goal. That outstanding quality can punish you at any time.

"It's one of those days where you play as well as you possibly can. It's pleasing to create chances against such a big team but it's the ultimate kick in the teeth when you don't take them.

"It's tremendously disappointing for the performance we gave to get the result we got. The performances are good but the points we are getting are just not good enough."

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