Portsmouth 1-1 Chelsea

Scorers: Anelka(54'), Defoe(63').

Starting Eleven:
Cech
Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, A.Cole
Makelele, Ballack, Wright-Phillips
J.Cole, Anelka, Malouda
subs: Cudicini, Sidwell, Pizzaro, Bridge, Ferreira


All the new boys did well for Redknapp. Baros, Diarra and Defoe justified their arrival at Fratton Park. Chelsea couldn't extend their winning streak to 10 matches, due to a fighting, resilient Portsmouth team.

Lassana Diarra, the former Chelsea midfielder who signed from Arsenal for £5 million last month, was the driving force for most of Portsmouth's early attacks. His perfect pass to Baros was shot wide by the forward, who was off balance. Ballack skied Ashley Cole's square pass on the other side of the pitch. Hreidarsson, playing for an injured Distin, partnered Campbell and blocked Anelka who looked dangerous on many occasions. Before the end of the half, both teams had half chances but failed to score.

After the restart, Defoe and Ashley Cole made solo runs evading defenders but again failed to open the account. Malouda's perfect cross was cushioned down by Joe Cole for Anelka to score coolly, as if he does this everyday. There was a certain style about the finish that I liked. A hint of things to come from the Frenchman. With Manchester United trailing by a goal to Spurs in North London, things were looking good for us then.I was very happy, watching the game with two red devils. But within nine minutes, Pompeys struck back. James' goal kick was headed down by Baros to Defoe, who stayed just onside to guide the ball past Cech. A careless mistake from Belletti in the right who played Defoe onside. Chelsea had to pay 2 points for this mistake.

Both sides played for a win and it wasDefoe again who got a clear cut chance but he couldn't beat Cech.And Pompey needed a brilliant save by James to defy Juliano Belletti before the finish. The disappointment was complete when Tevez equalized against Tottenham in the last minute.

But one should remember that both our title rivals Arsenal and United left Fratton Park with a single point only. The good news is that John Mikel Obi should be available for that next crucial game against Liverpool on Sunday and as long as everyone comes back fit from the other internationals this week, we should be favourites against the struggling Merseysiders. A disappointing weekend indeed for us, but considering last 6 week's performance I'm certainly happy.