Six years ago today, just three points separated leaders Manchester United and Chelsea in third place. Along with Arsenal, the three clubs were producing one of the tightest title races in recent times.
The Red Devils, who were taking on Bolton Wanderers on the same evening, recorded another victory thanks to an early double from Cristiano Ronaldo, which meant that Chelsea had to keep pace against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
Spurs had claimed the recent bragging rights by winning that year's League Cup final between the two teams, but it was the Blues that took an early initiative in this encounter. Centre-back John Terry, who had gone forward to attack a set-piece situation, crossed towards the back post for Didier Drogba to nod in from close range with just three minutes played.
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That advantage would last just nine minutes, though, as Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate sent a headed effort beyond the reach of Carlo Cudicini in the away side's net.
In what had descended into an end-to-end half of football, Chelsea's lead was restored with 20 minutes on the clock as Joe Cole threaded a pass through for Michael Essien. Having taken one touch, the midfielder then lifted the ball over an advancing Paul Robinson from the edge of the penalty area.
While there were no more goals before the break, there was a major talking involving Chelsea defender Ashley Cole. Many felt that his late and high challenge on Spurs defender Alan Hutton warranted a red card, but following a melee between the two sets of players, he only received a caution from referee Mike Riley - not that Cole was happy with the decision as he hurled expletives at the official.
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When the teams returned after the restart, it appeared that Chelsea had sealed the points when Joe Cole added a third goal in the 52nd minute. The England international got the better of Pascal Chimbonda, before seeing his effort loop into the net from a tight angle off Robinson.
However, the hosts refused to accept their fate and the arrears were reduced in the 61st minute by Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, who looped a header into the far corner of the net. Then, with 15 minutes left to play, Tom Huddlestone drove a left-footed shot that left Cudicini little chance to level up proceedings.
Parity would last just five minutes, though, as a slip from Chimbonda presented another opening for Joe Cole and he duly obliged by smashing the ball into roof of the Spurs net.
Yet, just as the away supporters were celebrating three priceless points, Spurs frontman Robbie Keane scored the goal of the night in the 88th minute to salvage a share of the spoils for the home side. After the ball had cannoned off the back of Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho, Keane curled the rebound away from a diving Cudicini and into the top corner, sparking pandemonium among the home faithful.
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Spurs could have in fact won the clash in stoppage time, but Cudicini was somehow able to divert Berbatov's shot wide of the target when a fifth Tottenham goal looked inevitable.
After the final whistle, Chelsea manager Avram Grant said: "It was a good game for the supporters but not for us because we wanted to win and we haven't done it. When you lead a game three times and don't win, the players are not so happy, especially when we have shown such a good spirit, but we are still in the title race and we will continue fighting."
Meanwhile, Tottenham's coach Gus Poyet added: "It was a great game of football for everybody except the two goalkeepers. It was a strange game because we were always chasing, but almost won it at the end and could have nicked the three points but for a fantastic save by Carlo Cudicini from Dimitar Berbatov."
SPURS: Robinson; Hutton, Woodgate, King (Bent), Chimbonda; Lennon, Jenas (Huddlestone), Zokora, Malbranque; Berbatov, Keane
CHELSEA: Cudicini; Ferreira (Shevchenko), Carvalho, Terry, A Cole; Essien, Makelele, Lampard, J Cole (Ballack); Drogba, Kalou (Alex)
Liam Apicella
