Honours even at the Bridge

Only two teams had taken off a point off Chelsea before today, Manchester United and Everton (both away), but Charlton became the third team to do so when they held the champions to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, taking away their 100 per cent home record. Charlton were only the fifth team to score against Chelsea at home in the Premiership this season, although they had already done so in the Carling Cup tie which ended in an Addicks victory on penalties.

Gudjohnsen had just managed to put the ball across the line for the home side in the 18th minute, with the ball slipping away from Myhre and Kishishev failing to clear off the line. Marcus Bent, seen by many of the Addickted as a doubtful and over priced purchase, scored the equaliser with a second half header on the hour, Ambrose (who had an excellent game) providing the assist. Bent had been brought on in the first half to replace the injured Rommedahl.

Charlton had already signalled their intent with Bryan Hughes sounding a warning shot with a low effort shortly after the break that Petr Cech did well to stop after it came at him through a crowd of legs.

Chelsea had Carvalho sent off for a second bookable offence eight minutes from time and this seemed to spur to step up their efforts against the Charlton defence with Fortune and Hreidarsson both having a good game and both Young and Powell at the top of their form. However, the Addicks withstood the pressure and Darren Bent even had a chance to get a winner. Bartlett was brought on for Ambrose in the eight minutes added on.

The draw restores Charlton to 11th place in the table and equal with the Irons on points. This was the first away draw of the season for the Addicks who are the opposite of draw specialists, the only other time they shared the points coming in the home fixture against Fulham. Commentators seemed to agree that the draw was well deserved, but it has revived talk about Alan Curbishley for England.