Frank Lampard today warned Manchester United that another defeat in the Premier League would rule them out of the title race.

Chelsea's 2-0 win at Blackburn took them back to the top of the table, and eight above Manchester United, although Sir Alex Ferguson's team have a game in hand.

The Blues have lost just once, at home to closest rivals Liverpool whereas United have been beaten twice with their latest defeat coming at Arsenal, who are six points off the lead.

Lampard and his team-mates handed coach Luiz Felipe Scolari the perfect 60th birthday present with their victory at Ewood Park, which sent Chelsea above Liverpool on goal difference.

The England midfielder said: “It is a nice gap for us. It is far from over, but in the last two years it's been the other way round. We've been five points behind them (Manchester United) and it is not easy. When you are chasing, you really can't afford to lose games.

“You have to remember Liverpool are neck and neck with us. But Man United and Arsenal, who are always big contenders, are those few points behind.”

Lampard maintained his excellent form this season with another impressive display, which saw him grow stronger as the game continued.

The match looked as though it might have been abandoned during a first half played in very heavy rain, which meant short passing was almost impossible and ensured the bounce of the ball was always unpredictable.

But Chelsea recovered well from their midweek Champions League defeat by Roma to claim a comfortable victory, with Nicolas Anelka's two goals the minimum reward for a powerful attacking performance which drew a number of superb saves from Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

This was Chelsea's ninth straight away win in the Premier League, and Lampard said: “It is certainly easier when you are making the pace, because the points give you a bit of security.

“It is not easy to chase, the pressure builds up and if you drop points you fall further behind. It's difficult either way, because the big four don't lose too many games or drop too many points.

“You certainly don't want to be too far behind at this point.

“We did it last year and we made a lot of ground up. However, in the end we lost the title by two points, so it feels nice to be in the lead at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Michael Essien has taken a swipe at Arsenal for refusing to play anything but beautiful football'.

The Gunners have not won a trophy since claiming the FA Cup in 2005 and the Chelsea midfielder said: “Everybody likes beautiful football.

“But to play beautiful football without picking up points is not worth it. Arsenal is one of those teams. But at the end of the day they don't get the points.”

Essien suffered a serious knee ligament injury appearing for Ghana two months ago and insists he will continue to play ugly when he returns to action in March.

He added: “Win ugly or beautifully — I don't care.”