A late, controversial penalty from Cesc Fabregas saved a point for Chelsea as they played out a 2-2 draw with West Ham United.

It was Slaven Bilic’s side that drew first blood with Manuel Lanzini in the 16th minute before Fabregas leveled the score deep into first-half injury time. United took the lead once again just after the hour mark through impact substitute Andy Carroll but Fabregas had the final say with his spot kick a minute from the end.

Poor start

Neither side came flying out of the traps as the game kicked off but Guus Hiddink’s side found themselves behind after 16 minutes in spectacular style.

The Hammers did well to collect the ball through Diafra Sakho who beat Gary Cahill to the ball playing it off to Dimitri Payet who teed it up for Lanzini who produced a shot right out of the top draw as he curled it into the corner from 25 yards.

They almost added a second just after the half hour mark when the ball made it through to left-back Aaron Cresswell as he drove his shot towards goal but a deflection took it just wide of Thibaut Courtois’ post.

Back in contention

Chelsea went into the break level as they managed to get their equaliser right on the stroke of half-time in an equally spectacular fashion.

Controversy riddled the goal as Fabregas moved the ball back a further two yards which proved too much for Adrian despite getting across goal but couldn't’t prevent his compatriot’s beautifully curled effort finding the back of the net.

Bright start

It was a positive start to the second half from both sides but it was the home side who had two good chances in quick succession to take the lead for the first time.

Branislav Ivanovic put a dangerous ball across the face of goal which looked to find Oscar but the Brazilian couldn't’t finish off the move from the acute angle. It was then the turn of John Terry moments later as he rose highest to Fabregas’ free-kick but it was beaten away by Adrian.

Instant impact

After clattering the crossbar in the 58th minute, Bilic looked to regain the lead by throwing on Carroll and the striker made an instant impact. He picked the ball up on the left-hand side of the penalty area and did brilliantly on the run to easily slot the ball past Courtois.

Controversial circumstances

Hiddink looked to be heading for his first league defeat since his return but his record was spared right at the end when they were handed a penalty.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was tripped by Michail Antonio with the initial foul looking to have been outside the area but Robert Madley pointed to the spot and it was Fabregas who stepped up and had no hesitations as he converted the spot kick.

After winning the penalty Loftus-Cheek had his own chance to seal the win in extra-time but he dragged it wide and Chelsea had to settle for the point.

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About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.