Reading overturned a 2-0 deficit late in the game to earn a point at the Madejski Stadium this evening.
Juan Mata and Frank Lampard put Chelsea ahead, and had kept the home side off the ball for much of the match.
However, a stunning performance off the bench from Adam Le Fondre saw the striker net two goals inside the last 10 minutes to seal the draw.
The point has moved Reading out of the relegation zone.
Sports Mole takes a detailed look at one of the comebacks of the season so far.
Match statistics:
Reading:
Shots 5
On target 2
Possession 33%
Corners 0
Fouls 8
Chelsea:
Shots 12
On target 4
Possession 67%
Corners 6
Fouls 21
Was the result fair?
On balance, Chelsea probably deserved the win. The visitors were lucky to take the lead at half time, but overall they controlled much of the game, were the much more creative in front of goal and managed to prevent their opponents from even taking a shot until the final 10 minutes of the game.
Reading's performance
Reading were impressive in the first half, keeping Chelsea out of the game at times while defending heroically during a series of onslaughts on their penalty box by the visitors. Ultimately, they struggled to contain Chelsea for much of the second half, but Brian McDermott made sure that the right players were on the pitch at the right time, as his team showed incredible character to find the two goals they needed to level the scores. A thoroughly entertaining display from the home side.
Chelsea's performance
After a strong start from Reading, Chelsea were well on top for much of the match, inspired by some stunning play by Juan Mata. However, Rafael Benitez's side switched off too soon, and were completely outplayed by Reading in the final 10 minutes of the game. In short, Chelsea were impressive, but not for long enough.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Juan Mata: It was hard not to say Adam Le Fondre, it really was. However, Mata's contribution throughout the match set the tone for Chelsea's excellent performance, and it was only after he went off that the Blues went defensive and ultimately let Reading back into the match. The Spaniard was the main reason Reading had to defend for so much of the match, and if he had been left on for the full 90, we would probably be looking at a different result right now.
Biggest gaffe
Frank Lampard had a chance to make it 3-0 shortly after his headed goal. It was a good strike from inside the box, and it looked like it had Federici beat, but it went just wide. Compared to some of the shots from his teammates, it was not the worst finish of the night, but if that had gone in, it would have probably been too much for Reading to come back from. Otherwise, Lampard was excellent for Chelsea this evening.
Referee performance
There were not too many big decisions for Mark Halsey this evening, having to dish out just the three yellow cards. There was some physical football from both sides at times, but Halsey did well to play the advantage and let the game flow.
What next?
Reading: Reading are at home again on Saturday, welcoming Sunderland to the Madejski Stadium.
Chelsea: Chelsea make the lengthy journey to St James' Park for a game against Newcastle United.
Sian Cowper
