LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea returned to the top of the Premier League on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at a rain-drenched Ewood Park.

A torrential downpour made conditions almost unplayable in the first half but Chelsea adapted far better and took the points with a double from Nicolas Anelka to continue their 100 percent away record in the league.

The French striker, enjoying a hot scoring streak, put Chelsea ahead five minutes before the break when he deflected Jose Bosingwa's speculative shot past keeper Paul Robinson.

His second, after 68 minutes, was a deft chip over Robinson after Frank Lampard had won the ball on the edge of the area and prodded a pass through.

Chelsea move above Liverpool, 3-0 winners at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, on goal difference. Both clubs have 29 points from 12 games. Arsenal are third with 23 points after their 2-1 defeat of champions Manchester United on Saturday.

Aston Villa can move above United into fourth later on Sunday when they host Middlesbrough.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Sonia Oxley)