Chelsea let a two goal lead slip against a plucky Southampton side at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
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With the two Manchester sides looking favourites to battle it out for the title this season, it was left to the Blues to pile on the pressure by winning their game in hand against newly promoted opposition.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, it was Southampton who started brightly, refusing to drop deep and defend against a Blues side littered with attacking talent.
For all their possession, however, it was Chelsea who grabbed the opening goal. Demba Ba, picked over Fernando Torres by Rafa Benitez, was the man to hit the back of the net, pouncing on the ball as it dropped into the box and slamming an effort past Artur Boruc.
Steven Davis should have done better after 38 minutes when he was presented with a chance by Jay Rodriguez, but Davis hit the ball first time rather than opting to take a touch and regain his composure, his resulting effort flashing wide of the post.
Southampton were made to pay for that wasted effort when Eden Hazard slotted the ball home after an effort from Ramires bounced off the bar as the Blues went 2-0 up.
But Chelsea took their foot off the gas as the second half started, clearly believing the game was won, and they were made to pay in spectacular fashion by a spirited Saints side.
Rickie Lambert, introduced as a substitute, had an immediate impact as he headed home from a Nathaniel Clyne cross, and that goal gave the away side renewed confidence for the remaining minutes.
The goal that finally silenced the Chelsea faithful came after 75 minutes, when Jason Puncheon unleashed an absolute rocket of a shot after a pacey run down the wing from Luke Shaw, who had a fine game.
The Blues were unable to fight back to grab another goal and the draw was the least that Southampton deserved. They earn a crucial point that continues their fine run of form in the Premier League.
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