Zhirkov, who had a very mixed evening, clearly fouled substitute David Hoilett and McCarthy sent Hilario the wrong way from the penalty spot.

BBC: Blackburn 3-3 Chelsea

With half an hour left, Blackburn were given renewed hope when Baker was shown a straight red card for a two-footed lunge at David Hoilett.

BBC: Aston Villa 3-1 Blackburn

And moments later, it was almost 1-0 to Blackburn as David Hoilett cut inside from the left and drew a sharp low save from Cech.

BBC: Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn Rovers