Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were forced to share the spoils in a goalless London derby at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
It was the home side who enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half but were unable to create a decent opening.
Neither side looked to grasp the initiative in the midday sun and the first real talking point came after 27 minutes.
Frank Lampard's claims for a penalty were waved away after former Chelsea defender William Gallas appeared to trip him up in the area.
However, the first big chance fell to Spurs on the stroke of half time and against the run of play.
Luka Modric turned smartly past Michael Essien to get to the byline and cut back to Rafael Van Der Vaart.
However, the Dutchman's effort was saved by Petr Cech, with Ashley Cole blocking a rebound effort from the midfielder.
Chelsea had to wait until five minutes after the break for their first shot on goal.
Daniel Sturridge was set free down the left-hand side but could only drag his shot wide of Brad Friedel's right-hand post.
Five minutes later, Gareth Bale slalomed past two Chelsea defenders before nudging the ball into the path of Kyle Walker.
Arriving into the box, the young wing-back found the side-netting with his shot.
Juan Mata tested the Spurs goal when his free kick hit the woodwork after 73 minutes.
Emmanuel Adebayor then had a chance to put Spurs in the lead on 79 minutes when he was sent clear of the Chelsea backline by Modric.
After rounding Cech, Adebayor's shot into an unguarded net was blocked by recovering Gary Cahill.
The draw leaves Tottenham in fourth place, one berth above Chelsea.
Michael Penkman
