Chelsea came from behind to secure a point at the KC Stadium against Hull City, however it could be considered two points lost against the relegation battlers.
Steven Mouyokolo headed the opening goal for Hull, before Didier Drogba equalised with a free kick on his return to the side.
Drogba was paired with Nicolas Anelka in attack, with the 4-4-2 diamond returning to accommodate him. Ballack was holding, Deco was at the head and Malouda and Lampard played to either side. Yuri Zhirkov was the left back replacing Ashley Cole.
Lampard tested the in form Boaz Myhill with a stinging early strike that was well saved. Michael Ballack should have scored a header from a beautifully flighted Ivanovic cross after 25 minutes, but headed straight at the Hull keeper.
The home side took the lead from a set piece just on the half hour. Stephen Hunt whipped it in and Mouyokolo was criminally unmarked and able to head home with aplomb.
Chelsea were level before half time, thanks to Didier Drogba’s superb free kick. Anelka was the man brought down, slightly left of centre and about 25 yards out. Drogba beautifully curled his shot around the wall and into the bottom corner to equalise.
Myhill was sharp in saving headers from Drogba and John Terry in the second half whilst Joe Cole came on for the last 20 minutes, to little effect. Myhill made an outstanding save very late on to deny substitute Daniel Sturridge, but the cutting edge wasn’t there on the night and Hull battled hard for their point, at a ground where few will win.
Arsenal are next up in a huge match this weekend, which being at Stamford Bridge, should hopefully see normal service resumed.
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