THE key stats and moments from the match against Chelsea.
ROVERS:
BRAD FRIEDEL: Bounced back from last week's blip against City with a typically commanding performance. Couldn't do much about either goal. 7
LUCAS NEILL: Strong and aggressive against Duff but blotted his copybook by giving away the penalty. 7
VRATISLAV GRESKO: Starting to look more like the player we saw last season. Strong and committed in the tackle. 7
LORENZO AMORUSO: Looked more solid alongside Babbel but got caught the wrong side of Mutu for Chelsea's opener. 7
MARKUS BABBEL: Made an excellent start to his Rovers career. A no-nonsense defender in the Henning Berg mould which is just what the team needs. 8
GARRY FLITCROFT: Clearly determined not to lose his place following the signing of Barry Ferguson. Worked his socks off for the team. 8
TUGAY: Retained possession well at times but could have been stronger defensively. 7
STEVEN REID: Still adjusting to the pace of the Premiership following his move >from Millwall but showed glimpses of his talent. 7
DAVID THOMPSON: Couldn't fault his effort and commitment and it was his cross which led to the second goal. 7
ANDY COLE: Another excellent performance. Looks sharp and hungry. Scored two good striker's goals. 8
MATT JANSEN: Improving all the time. Laid on the first for Cole with a peach of a cross from the right. 7
SUBS:
JOHANSSON (for Reid, 73) Did his bit 6. GALLAGHER (for Jansen, 73) Didn't look out of place 7. TAYLOR (for Tugay, 85) Cameo role late on
CHELSEA:
CUDICINI: At fault for Cole's second. 6
JOHNSON: England star in the making. 7
BRIDGE: Solid defensively. 7
TERRY: Chelsea's best defender. 7
DESAILLY: Mistake for Cole's first. 6
LAMPARD: Looked lively. 8
VERON: Still an enigma. 7
GEREMI: Won the penalty. 7
DUFF: Subdued by his standards. 6
HASSELBAINK: Hit and miss. 6
MUTU: Looks a class act. 8
SUBS:
PETIT (for Duff, 46) Quietly efficient 7. CRESPO (for Mutu, 76) Still finding his feet 6. COLE (for Bridge, 84)
STATS:
Goal attempts: Rovers 9 Chelsea 14
Shots on target: Rovers 5 Chelsea 5
Woodwork: Rovers 0 Chelsea 0
Offsides: Rovers 7 Chelsea 6
Corners: Rovers 4 Chelsea 3
Free kicks: Rovers 19 Chelsea 14
Referee: Mr M Dean. Inconsistent at times
Bookings: Rovers; Reid, Amoruso, Flitcroft, Thompson
Chelsea: Bridge
Sendings off: None
Att: 41,066
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