Terry off as Chelsea hang on for draw
Terry was sent-off for a lunge on Leon Osman after 35 minutes
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Liverpool have blown the chance to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 1-1 draw with ten-man Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. |  |
Monday, 22, Dec 2008 11:01
Chelsea held on for a goalless draw with Everton at Goodison Park despite playing most of the game with ten men after captain John Terry was sent off for a lunge on Leon Osman.
Referee Phil Dowd showed Terry a straight red card for a high challenge on Osman in the 35th minute.
Until then the visitors had been on top, but with the extra man Everton dominated the second period and Luiz Felipe Scolari was grateful to his goalkeeper Petr Cech who made a string of second-half saves.
It brought an end to Chelsea's 100 per cent away record this season, but in the circumstances will be pleased that his side came away with a point.
Before Terry's dismissal Chelsea had been the better side with Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka all going close.
After the sending off, Chelsea appeared content to escape with a point while Everton struggled to make their numerical advantage count.
Chances were few and far between but Everton did have the ball in the back of the net with nine minutes remaining when Steven Pienaar bundled the ball over the line but the flag was already up for offside.
Earlier, Tony Hibbert saw his deflected cross tipped over the bar by the Cech, and the Chelsea goalkeeper was forced into action again straight away when he saved well from a Joleon Lescott header from the resulting corner.
Everton came within inches of opening the scoring when Leighton Baines fired in a low cross which Maroune Felliani got a touch to but the ball skidded just wide of the far post.
In the end Chelsea were relieved to emerge with a draw which leaves them one point behind leaders Liverpool going into the busy Christmas fixtures which they will now be forced to play without their skipper Terry.