Blues tie unbeaten home record

12 April 2012

Didier Drogba's 32nd goal of the season was enough for Chelsea to equal Liverpool's 63-match unbeaten home record in a 1-1 draw against Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba's goal cancelled out James Vaughan's shock opener in the 49th minute but the Ivorian's leveller was shrouded in controversy.

Everton manager David Moyes was furious that referee Mark Halsey failed to punish Paulo Ferreira for a challenge on Mikel Arteta in the build-up to Chelsea's goal. Moyes raced onto the pitch after Drogba had finished off a cross from Shaun Wright-Phillips and after being recalled by the fourth official, Halsey sent the Everton boss to the stands.

Jon Obi Mikel's right-foot shot from 25 yards brought a spectacular save from Tim Howard. The Everton goalkeeper was forced to tip his effort over the crossbar as the ball headed for the top corner.

Everton stunned the deposed champions by taking the lead in the 49th minute.

Mikel failed to stop the advancing Leon Osman in midfield and the Everton player ran on to provide Vaughan with a perfect pass. The Everton striker found himself unmarked and with plenty of time to slide the ball under Petr Cech.

Chelsea were almost caught out a second time three minutes later. This time Arteta got free on the right and his cross was volleyed towards the corner by the acrobatic Vaughan. However, Cech came to Chelsea's rescue by punching the ball to safety.

But Chelsea equalised in controversial circumstances in the 57th minute.

Moyes was furious Ferreira's challenge on Arteta went unpunished and it was compounded seconds later when Wright-Phillips crossed for Drogba to level.

Worryingly for Chelsea, they lost Mikel in the 74th minute with an injury which could jeopardise the Nigerian's chances of playing in the FA Cup final against Manchester United next Saturday.

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