DERBY COUNTY 2 CHELSEA 2

Chelsea missed the opportunity to have a brief period on top of the Premiership table when they succumbed to an injury time equaliser at Pride Park.

Despite dropping two points, Gianluca Vialli's side have only been defeated twice in 24 games. It is the club's best sequence of results for a decade.

Vialli had elected to leave five internationals out of the starting lineup but he did select Tore Andre Flo - and his inclusion was fully justified not only for his goal but overall performance which was outstanding.

The match began at a brisk pace with both teams having early chances. Michael Duberry had a shot cleared off the line by former Blues' player Tony Dorigo.

Both sides were vulnerable to the high ball into the penalty area. It is one area of play that Chelsea will need to concentrate on if they are not to be exposed in future.

Horacio Carbonari gave the home side the lead when his free kick took a wicked deflection. Derby held on to their lead up to the interval as they continued to pressure Chelsea throughout.

But in the second half the visitors scored twice in four minutes. Jody Morris's delightful defence-splitting pass was collected by Flo who deftly lifted it over and beyond the advancing keeper into the net. Gustavo Poyet then lost his marker before unleashing a right footed shot from the edge of the area to give Chelsea the lead.

However, it was a brave triple substitution with 10 minutes remaining by Derby manager Jim Smith which altered the course of the game. Chelsea appeared to be heading for all three points but Dean Sturridge scored from an acute angle in injury time to salvage a point for Derby. In truth it was no more than the home side had deserved on the balance of play.

On Saturday Chelsea face another stern test of their championship credentials when they entertain fast-improving Tottenham.

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