Reading 2 Chelsea 2

Brendan Rodgers, who learned at the feet of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, almost masterminded a win over the current Blues crop at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Chelsea had dominated the early moments, with John Terry heading over from a Frank Lampard corner and Deco, making a start despite much speculation over his future, seeing a penalty appeal turned down.

However, Jimmy Kebe gave Reading the lead less than ten minutes before the interval. Hal Robson-Kanu's effort bounced to the Malian off Ashley Cole, and the wide man was able to follow-up and stun the visitors.

Chelsea had their chances, though. Nicola Anelka had had a shot cleared off the line not long before Adam Federici saved well from Didier Drogba, but it was the Royals who struck first.

Before Carlo Ancelotti's side were able to regroup in the dressing room, Reading had doubled their advantage. Shane Long was brought down by a combination of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho as he charged through, allowing Scott Davies, impressive in midfield, to slot home the subsequent free-kick from the edge of the box.

After the interval, Chelsea would make numerous changes and continue to get closer to finally making the net bulge. However, Alex, Michael Essien and Drogba haven't quite found their touch in front of goal yet and couldn't take advantage of far better second half play.

However, the Premier League side showed good character to salvage a result in the dying moments of the contest.

First, Salomon Kalou latched onto a Mikel John Obi through-ball and chipped home.

Then, Alex Pearce was the unlucky one as his header turned Florent Malouda's last-gasp free-kick into his own net.