LONDON // Chelsea's title challenge took a real wobble after a last-minute goal from Clint Dempsey earned Fulham a draw against their derby rivals and left Luiz Felipe Scolari's side trailing Liverpool by three points in the title race.
In a dramatic match, Chelsea went behind early on through the first of Dempsey's two goals, but thought they had rescued victory thanks to two strikes from Frank Lampard.
But Fulham stunned their more illustrious opponents when Dempsey headed home a Simon Davies corner in the 89th minute.
The result means Chelsea are now four points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the title race and Scolari trudged off the pitch a dejected man at the final whistle and he clearly has plenty to think about.
He had sprung a surprise by leaving out top scorer Nicolas Anelka and midfielder Michael Ballack, replacing them with Florent Malouda and Deco.
But it was the home side who went ahead after 10 minutes as Davies floated over a free-kick from the left and Chelsea allowed the ball to bobble around before Dempsey deftly flicked it home at the far post.
Didier Drogba dragged an excellent chance wide after 19 minutes and Chelsea were then hit by a double injury blow as Malouda limped off injured to be replaced by Anelka after 30 minutes and Alex followed suit, replaced by Ricardo Carvalho.
Chelsea stepped up the pressure after the interval and were rewarded with an equaliser on 50 minutes .
Joe Cole's pass created havoc in the Fulham defence and as Aaron Hughes hesitated and keeper Mark Schwarzer did likewise, Lampard pounced to fire the rebound home.
Cole was denied by a double save from Schwarzer before Lampard gave them the lead on 72 minutes , firing home a long-distance free-kick after Andrew Johnson had felled Deco.
But just when it seemed Chelsea had earned themselves a crucial victory, up popped Dempsey to equalise.
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The biog
Family: Parents and four sisters
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing at American University of Sharjah
A self-confessed foodie, she enjoys trying out new cuisines, her current favourite is the poke superfood bowls
Likes reading: autobiographies and fiction
Favourite holiday destination: Italy
Posts information about challenges, events, runs in other emirates on the group's Instagram account @Anagowrunning
Has created a database of Emirati and GCC sportspeople on Instagram @abeermk, highlight: Athletes
Apart from training, also talks to women about nutrition, healthy lifestyle, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure
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Total funding: Self funded
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Match info:
Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)
Motori Profile
Date started: March 2020
Co-founder/CEO: Ahmed Eissa
Based: UAE, Abu Dhabi
Sector: Insurance Sector
Size: 50 full-time employees (Inside and Outside UAE)
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Safe City Group
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Director: Tim Burton
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
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Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).