Chelsea and Manchester United shared a six goal thriller at Stamford Bridge as the Blues failed to hold on to a three goal lead and allowed United a share of the spoils in a 3-3 draw. Manchester United may still have gone almost ten years since they last won in the league at Chelsea, but this result must almost seem like a victory.
The visitor's found themselves three goals down early in the second half but staged a remarkable comeback with two Wayne Rooney penalties and substitute Javier Hernandez grabbing a point which leaves Sir Alex Ferguson's team two points behind leaders Manchester City.
United had enjoyed the better of the first period having a couple of confident penalty appeals turned down by Howard Webb, but it was Chelsea who went in at the break in the lead.
Former Manchester City player Daniel Sturridge worked a good position then earned some good fortune as his shot hit Jonny Evans and rebounded into the net for an unfortunate own goal.
The visitor's still looked dangerous but were rocked at the beginning of the second half as the Blues scored twice in four minutes.
Within thirty seconds of the restart Fernando Torres crossed and Juan Marta hit a sublime volley past David De Gea.
Then Mata turned provider curling in a free kick which David Luiz headed against Rio Ferdinand and into goal.
Chelsea looked rampant at this stage whilst United looked stunned yet they responded quickly and Rooney converted his first penalty after Patrice Evra was brought down by Sturridge.
Suddenly the host's did not look as confident and when Danny Welbeck was tripped by Branislav Ivanovic, Rooney again scored from the spot kick.
With United pressing for a leveller Chelsea had opportunities on the break to seal the game, none more so than when Torres hesitated with the goal at his mercy allowing the United defence to scramble the ball clear.
This was to prove costly as the Blues defence began to look jittery as United controlled the game and the Red Devils were duly rewarded with seven minutes remaining.
Ryan Giggs was allowed time and space to pick out the unmarked Hernandez who headed powerfully home.
Both side's then had opportunities to win the game in added time and it took a wonder save from United's maligned keeper De Gea to palm away a Mata free kick to ensure the status quo.
Referee: Howard Webb
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 41,668
Chelsea scorers: Evans og 36, Mata 46, Luiz 50 Man Utd scorers: Rooney (pens) 58, 68, Hernandez 83
TRIBAL ASKS: Despite the remarkable fightback it now leaves Man City two points clear at the top.
Yellow cards: Torres (CHE), Ivanovic (CHE), Evra (MANU)
