Chelsea miss chance to go top after Hammer blow

Chelsea failed to go top of the Premier League here on Sunday after being held to a 1-1 draw at their Stamford Bridge home ground by London rivals West Ham.

The result saw the Blues stay in second place but close the gap on leaders Liverpool to just one point.

It also meant the so-called 'big four' of champions Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal had all drawn on the same weekend.

Meanwhile, West Ham moved a point clear of the relegation zone.

Wales striker Craig Bellamy put West Ham, managed by former Chelsea forward Gianfranco Zola, ahead in the 33rd minute with a goal allowed to stand by referee Mike Riley despite home protests for handball.

But six minutes into the second-half Chelsea were level when Nicolas Anelka scored his 100th Premier League goal, the France forward on-target from close range after latching onto England midfielder Frank Lampard's through-ball.

England goalkeeper Robert Green then blocked on-target headers from Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Alex before the Blues appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after former Hammers favourite Lampard was brought down in the box with two minutes left.

Carlton Cole, formerly of Chelsea, could have won the game for the Hammers in stoppage time when clean through on goal but his weak shot was saved by Blues keeper Petr Cech.