Gunners hold Chelsea to thrilling draw

Chelsea 1 Arsenal 1

Michael Essien’s brilliant goal rescued a point for champions Chelsea against Arsenal after Matthieu Flamini’s goal looked to have given Arsenal a shock win.

Essien’s 84th-minute gem was the least Chelsea deserved after Frank Lampard hit the post twice, Essien saw a header cleared off the line and also hit the underside of the crossbar in stoppage time, and Didier Drogba missed a succession of great chances before Flamini put Arsenal in front 13 minutes from full-time.

Ashley Cole was booed throughout by the Arsenal fans in his first game against his former club since his controversial move to Stamford Bridge in August, while this point left Chelsea eight points adrift of Barclays Premiership leaders Manchester United.