Hull City produced a manful performance to hold Chelsea to a surprise draw as the title hopefuls missed the chance to take their league lead to four points.
The Londoners were lacklustre to say the least, but that was down in no small part to Hull’s brave approach.
And it was the hosts who took the lead when Steven Mouyokolo headed home.
Didier Drogba marked his return from Africa Cup of Nations duty with the equaliser from a free-kick, but Hull comfortably held on to a precious draw.
It was no less than the hosts deserved from an all-action display and even though the result was not enough to move them out of the bottom three, it could provide a welcome fillip as they enter the crucial stages of their battle against relegation.
Chelsea, meanwhile, can comfort themselves with the knowledge they go two points clear of Manchester United and six of Arsenal at the top of the table, but boss Carlo Ancelotti will surely consider this a missed opportunity, especially with a home match against the Gunners to come on Sunday.