Chelsea v West Ham 1-1

Bellamy's first-half volley put West Ham in front at Stamford Bridge (photo & report: -> BBC)

Gianfranco Zola's West Ham held on for a spirited draw

Craig Bellamy volleyed the visitors in front, with Chelsea claiming Mark Noble had handled the ball in the build-up.

The introduction of Didier Drogba inspired Chelsea and Nicolas Anelka levelled after a neat one-touch move.

In injury time Carlton Cole could have been a hero for West Ham, yet as so often he couldn't manage to score. He fired too weakly at Petr Cech when sent through one on one by Valon Behrami.

The point will be looked at positively by Zola and assistant Steve Clarke, who received a rapturous welcome from the home fans at the start of the game.

Next up for the Hammers is another difficult challenge, this time against high-flying Aston Villa at the Boleyn (Saturday, 17:30 GMT). Although the form is definitely improving, Zola and his team (only one win out of 11 games!!!) now need to start winning games in order to avoid becoming embroiled in a potentially disastrous relegation battle.

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola:

"The performance was outstanding and the point was totally deserved.

"We are improving but we do not play with the same freedom at home as we do away from home and we will fix that."

On the upcoming January transfer window Zola added: "We will not be selling our best players, but some who are not playing in the first team may go."

GOAL VIDEO: click -> here

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Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel (Belletti 80), Deco, Ballack (Drogba 46), Lampard, Joe Cole (Kalou 74), Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Bridge, Ferreira.
Booked: Mikel, Ballack, Ashley Cole.
Goals: Anelka 51.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Upson, Davenport, Ilunga, Collison (Boa Morte 87), Parker, Noble (Mullins 72), Behrami, Bellamy (Di Michele 90), Cole.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Faubert, Tristan, Sears.
Booked: Cole, Bellamy.
Goals: Bellamy 33.

Att: 41,675.
Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).