Chelsea restored their three-point lead in the Premier League - but only after an unconvincing win over Portsmouth.
Nicolas Anelka side-footed Chelsea ahead after good work from Alex as the home side dominated the first half.
But Pompey, managed by former Blues boss Avram Grant, levelled through Frederic Piquionne's fierce finish and even had chances to go ahead.
Frank Lampard saved the hosts' blushes with a 79th-minute penalty after Marc Wilson's lunge on Branislav Ivanovic.
Teenage substitute Fabio Borini could have made the win more comfortable had he not dragged his shot narrowly wide - but that would have masked a curiously flat performance by the league leaders.
They can, at least, celebrate their first win in five matches as they look ahead to Sunday's trip to West Ham, but Carlo Ancelotti must be concerned by his side's stuttering form.
Grant was given a warm reception on his return to Stamford Bridge, but the home fans were probably not feeling quite so charitable when the Israeli's side threatened to deal a stunning blow to the Blues' title chances.
After Mick McCarthy controversially fielded a weakened Wolves side at Manchester United on Tuesday, eyebrows were raised when Grant made seven changes to the side that snatched a late draw against Sunderland at the weekend.
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