West Brom’s James McClean strikes late to snatch point at Chelsea

West Brom twice battled back from a goal down to hold Chelsea to a 2-2 draw in an ill-tempered affair at Stamford Bridge.

Cesar Azpilicueta put the hosts ahead somewhat against the early run of play, meeting Branislav Ivanovic’s cross to net his first home goal.

But the lead was short-lived, substitute Craig Gardner rifling home a superb equaliser from distance to draw the sides level.

A Gareth McAuley own goal looked to have settled matters decisively in Chelsea’s favour but with only minutes remaining, James McClean met Saido Berahino’s flick to give the visitors a deserved point and leave them three points clear of Chelsea in the table.

The match was an ill-tempered affair with six bookings, Diego Costa once again finding it hard to contain his emotions and Claudio Yacob twice appeared fortunate to get away with a second yellow that would have ended his night.

13’ – CHANCE FLETCHER: He gets his shot in on goal after a cross from the left but Azpilicueta blocks well.

20’ – GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 West Brom: Lovely hold-up play from Costa. He feeds Willian, who ships it wide to Ivanovic and his cross is met by Azpilicueta for his first goal at Stamford Bridge.

33’ – GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 West Brom: And it’s a cracking effort from Craig Gardner from outside the box, rifling home from 25 yards and into the far corner. No chance Courtois.

73’ – GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 West Brom: Kenedy looks to have his first Chelsea goal, nipping in at the near post to meet Willian’s cross but it’s McAuley’s knee that touches it past Myhill.

76’ – CHANCES AT BOTH ENDS! It’s a great ball by Sessegnon and Zouma digs it out with Berahino waiting. Chelsea break and Myhill pulls off a great one-handed save to deny Costa.

86’ – GOAL! Chelsea 2-2 West Brom: It’s another great finish, this time from James McClean, sweeping home after Gardner’s cross is touched on to him by Saido Berahino.

César Azpilicueta scores his second PL goal. His first goals came in the reverse fixture at the Hawthorns earlier this season (3-2 away win).

This is West Brom's 10th PL match at Stamford Bridge, but only their fourth goal. Shane Long (2) and Stephane Sessegnon are the only other Baggies players to score a PL goal at Chelsea.

That was Chelsea's 31st conceded goal of this Premier League season. In the entire last season The Blues conceded a total of 32 goals.

No team has benefited from more own goals this Premier League season than Chelsea (4).

Tony Pulis avoids defeat at Stamford Bridge in the PL for the first time as a manager. He had lost all six of his previous PL away matches against Chelsea.

Chelsea are unbeaten in all 12 home matches in all competitions (W7-D4) under manager Guus Hiddink (both spells).

Darren Fletcher (West Brom) Did a fantastic job of stifling the creativity of Chelsea’s midfield all match and his side arguably had parity in this department.

Chelsea: Courtois 6; Ivanovic 6, Zouma 7, Terry 6, Azpilicueta 7; Mikel 6, Fabregas 6; Willian 6, Oscar 6, Pedro 5; Diego Costa 6. SUBS: Matic 6, Kenedy 7.

West Brom: Myhill 6; Olsson 6, Yacob 5, Evans 6, Morrison 6, Brunt 6, McClean 7, McAuley 6, Fletcher 8, Dawson 6, Rondon 6. SUBS: Foster; Gardner 7, Berahino 6, Sessegnon 6