A last gasp Robin Van Persie equaliser cancelled out a classic Didier Drogba header as Chelsea and Manchester United shared the points at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Chelsea looked set to go six points clear at the top of the Premier League when Branislav Ivanovic, already on a yellow card, received his marching orders three minutes into added time.
The ensuing free kick saw Angel Di Maria, the fouled man, send a free kick into the box and after Marouanne Fellaini's header was parried by Thibaut Courtois, Van Persie buried the rebound.
Blues had few cares up to that point. But, in what will be seen as a frustrating re-run of their draw across the city at Eastlands, it was their own failings that did the damage.
From a pacey, if still somewhat edgy start, it was United who seemed to take the ascendancy as the first half wore on.
Two chances in the space of little more than a minute fell to Van Persie – Courtois showing his remarkably fast reactions both times to keep the game goalless.
Chelsea appealed for a penalty towards the end of the half, as both John Terry and Ivanovic appeared to be clattered to the deck following a Cesc Fabregas free kick but referee Phil Dowd waved play on.
Chelsea pushed things up a bit just after the break.
An Eden Hazard rush through the United back four was defeated by David De Gea but Chelsea got what they were after on 53 minutes.
Cesc Fabregas' corner was met by Drogba, who rushed away from his man, rose majestically, and headed into the back of the net.
Even as the Ivorian reeled away in glee, the comparisons with his Champions League final 2012 equaliser were being made – and the Chelsea end celebrated no less than the last time he did it.
It had all the hallmarks of one of the burgeoning season's key moments – that was until the late red card, and equaliser.
In the event Chelsea go four points clear of Southampton, six of Manchester City – and remain unbeaten.
