Chelsea continued their trend of sharing the spoils with a hard-earned point against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, writes Derek Osafo.
The Blues have now drawn nine of their Premiership fixtures this season, but they will be grateful to have taken anything from a game which saw the Black Cats create the majority of the chances.
Sunderland's main threat came from Kevin Phillips, who was denied on numerous occasions by Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.
Cudicini, described by Blues boss Claudio Ranieri as "fantastic", kept the visitors in the game with a superb penalty save from Phillips just a minute after the break.
The Blues created few opportunities but Slavisa Jokanovic's goal was disallowed after Mario Melchiot was judged to have fouled Thomas Sorenson.
The Blues face a stern challenge this Sunday when they entertain Premiership leaders Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Marcel Desailly and Emmanuel Petit are unlikely to feature.
December 12, 2001 10:00
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