Chelsea's recent turnaround in form hit a stumbling block as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
There were plenty of chances for both sides early on but both strike forces were off target during the opening stages.
In-form Daniel Sturridge sent a shot wide after being played in by Fernando Torres, who was given a rare start by Andre Villas-Boas, and at the other end Moussa Dembele also curved an effort past the post.
Torres himself had a chance to give the Blues the lead when he smartly chested down Juan Mata's floated through ball, but David Stockdale turned away his shot at goal.
The Spaniard did play a part in the home side's opener when he laid the ball back for international compatriot Juan Mata to fire home on the half-volley with 47 minutes gone.
Despite their poor record away from home, Fulham equalised when Clint Dempsey put the finishing touches to a good move orchestrated by Bryan Ruiz.
Villas-Boas introduced Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba in search for a winner and the Ivorian went close when his late free kick forced Stockdale into another save.
Further pressure came Fulham's way but the visitors hung on to claim a valuable point in the West London derby.
Joe Fish
