Chelsea have been denied the chance to move more than a game clear on top of the Premier League table as they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.
The Blues could have gone four points clear of second-placed Arsenal and five ahead of third-placed Manchester City and it appeared as it could have gone that way until the Baggies intervened in the 87th minute.
Branislav Ivanovic, who scored the winner at Manchester City last Monday, gave Chelsea the lead on the stroke of half-time when he got loose at a corner and slotted home David Luiz's flick-on from Willian's corner.
There was just three minutes of regular time remaining when Albion levelled through substitute Victor Anichebe who muscled his way past Luiz to turn in a cross from the impressive Saido Berahino.
Pepe Mel's Baggies outfit did everything they could throughout the contest to frustrate Jose Mourinho's league leaders and the game plan was vindicated as they secured a much-needed point which saw them slip out of the relegation zone.
Chelsea are now two points clear at the summit but wins for both Arsenal and City, who are in action on Wednesday night, would see them drop back to third.
2013/14 Barclays Premier League season scores
West Bromwich Albion: 1 (Victor Anichebe 87') Chelsea: 1 (Branislav Ivanovic 45') The Hawthorns, West Bromwich - 24,327
