Late goal gives Jose the Blues
Mourinho's side look vulnerable without goalkeeper Petr Cech and captain John Terry
Also In The News
|
Chelsea skipper John Terry has resumed training - one day after undergoing back surgery in France. |  |
Saturday, 30, Dec 2006 08:26
Chelsea's title hopes have been dented after a 2-2 draw with Fulham in the west London derby at Stamford Bridge.
For the second straight home match, the Blues blew a 2-1 lead and now trail rivals United by six points.
Moritz Volz gave the Cottagers a shock lead which was cancelled out by an own-goal by Liam Rosenior ten minutes before the break.
Didier Drogba bagged his 13th league goal of the season but a blunder from goalkeeper Hilario allowed Carlos Bocanegra to equalise six minutes from time.
Volz scored the 15,000th goal in Premiership history with a well-taken drilled shot on 11 minutes as the Blues' shaky defence, devoid of skipper John Terry's undoubted and Khalid Boulahrouz's dubious talents, was once again exposed.
Fulham should have doubled their lead on 22 minutes but winger Wayne Routledge blazed his effort over the bar from 12 yards with the goal at his mercy.
Chelsea cranked up the pressure and equalised on 35 minutes when Frank Lampard's rasping 20-yard shot took a huge deflection off Rosenior past the stranded Antti Niemi.
Fulham created the first chance of the second half with striker Brian McBride forcing Hilario into a stunning save from a bullet header.
Just as Ronaldo had given United the lead at Old Trafford, Drogba headed in his 20th goal of the season from Lampard's cross to put the Premiership champions 2-1 ahead on 62 minutes.
But Fulham capped off a miserable day for Jose Mourinho's side when Hilario could only parry McBride's effort with his right foot and Bocanegra tapped in from close range.
Chelsea could be nine points adrift of United when they face Aston Villa on Tuesday.