BLACKBURN, Feb 1: Glen Johnson's dramatic winner gave Chelsea a 3-2 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park here on Sunday that kept their Premiership title challenge on track.

It seemed Rovers had salvaged a draw when, after two goals by Chelsea's Frank Lampard, they levelled in the 87th minute through substitute Paul Gallagher. But barely 90 seconds later former West Ham favourite Johnson fired home an unstoppable shot past impressive Rovers keeper Brad Friedel.

The result left Claudi Ranieri's expensively-assembled side four points behind leaders Manchester United ahead of second-placed Arsenal's game against Manchester City later on Sunday.

Blackburn, whose captain Garry Flitcroft opened the scoring in the third minute, were left just three points above the relegation zone.

Chelsea gave a debut to England midfielder Scott Parker, their 10 million pounds signing from Charlton, while former Sunderland stalwart Michael Gray was playing his first game for Rovers, replacing the suspended Vratislav Gresko at left-back. -AFP