Chelsea have been made to settle for just a point in their meeting with Sunderland this evening, having been held to a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light.
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Connor Wickham had the first chance of the match when he attempted to curl the ball in from just outside the box, but Thibaut Courtois watched it go well high.
The visitors came close to opening the scoring when Willian tried to power the ball in low, beating Costel Pantilimon, but seeing his shot come back off the post.
Courtois had to make a save when Jack Rodwell tried to blast the ball in, but his finish was straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper.
The home side continued to look dangerous as half time approached, with Santiago Vergini denied by the crossbar after meeting the ball at the back post.
Eden Hazard and Oscar teamed up to try to create a chance, but the Brazilian's flick into the box was cleared, ensuring that the sides remained level at the break.
Chelsea began the second half strongly, creating a couple of early chances which culminated in Gary Cahill heading the ball straight into the hands of a grateful Pantilimon, and Willian firing narrowly wide of goal.
It proved to be a similar story for the remainder of the game, with the Blues creating openings, but unable to find a way through.
Nemanja Matic saw his well-hit strike stopped by Pantilimon, while substitute Didier Drogba dragged an attempt of his own wide of goal.
Sunderland were by no means holding onto their point, though, as Wickham and Jozy Altidore caused some real panic for the league leaders, with the latter's shot blocked by a combination of goalkeeper and defender inside the area.
There was almost a moment of late drama as Adam Johnson twice came close to snatching a winner for the hosts, but the game ended at a stalemate.
Despite dropping points for just the third time this season, Jose Mourinho's charges remain seven points clear at the top of the table, while draw-specialists Sunderland are in 14th place.
Daniel Lewis
