Carlo Cudicini was the hero for Chelsea today, as his string of fine saves earned the Blues a point away to high-flying Tottenham, to leave Spurs still seeking their first home win over Chelsea in 15 years.
Both sides were intent on playing attacking football, but the lions-share of the chances fell to the home side. Robbie Keane really should have done better early on when he was well placed but headed wide, and Cudicini had to acrobatically tip over a sweet volley from Jamie Redknapp's on 25 minutes.
Chelsea suffered a set-back just before half-time when Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was forced off with what appeared to be a groin injury, and after the break, Spurs took control as they sought to break the deadlock. Cudicini was again on fine form and saved from Gustavo Poyet and Teddy Sheringham to keep his side in the game.
As it was, Chelsea could have and perhaps should have taken the points. Mario Melchiot's glancing header smacked off the Spur's goalpost, but it would have been harsh on Tottenham who will feel hard done by with only a point.
At Elland Road, Everton's bright young hope Wayne Rooney was once again the match-winner as his single goal gave the Toffees a 1-0 victory over Leeds. With the game heading for a goalless draw, David Moyes brought Rooney on for Tomasz Radzinski with fifteen minutes to go and it paid almost immediate dividends.
The 17-year-old got on the end of through ball from Li Tie, left Bakke trailing in his wake, skipped around Leeds skipper Lucas Radebe before firing an angled shot past Paul Robinson. Leeds tried to regroup, but they were completely demoralised after the goal and Everton held on to claim the points.
Aston Villa claimed only their second away point of the season, thanks to some fine work by Peter Enckelman against a tired looking Blackburn Rovers side today. Rovers showed the signs of their mid-week exertion against Celtic, but although they enjoyed the majority of the play, they were unable to find a way past Enckelman.
Andy Cole's dreadful form in front of goal continued, and although Damien Duff was his usual sprightly self, Rovers never really got going. The best chance of a dour game fell to Cole in the closing stages when Tugay's through ball put him in on goal, but the former Manchester United dragged his effort wide with an effort that summed up his performance.
Meanwhile, Howard Wilkinson is still searching for his first win as Sunderland manager after a late Charlton equaliser denied the Black Cats a crucial victory.
Tore Andre Flo's first half strike looked to have been enought to give Sunderland the points, but with thirteen minutes to go Gary Rowett came out on top of a goal-mouth scramble and smashed the ball home from six yards out.
Filed by Rob Wright
