Chelsea spurned the chance to take a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a lacklustre 1-1 draw at struggling West Ham United on Sunday. Penalties from Alessandro Diamanti and former West Ham player Frank Lampard either side of halftime left Chelsea four points ahead of champions Manchester United after 18 games while West Ham stayed second bottom, a point ahead of Portsmouth.
Chelsea have taken only five points from a possible 12 in the league this month, though United's form has also been inconsistent, with two defeats in four December matches.
In Sunday's earlier games Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Burnley 2-0 while Everton drew 1-1 at home with Birmingham City.