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A debut goal from Jermain Defoe helped Portsmouth earn a point against Chelsea in a pulsating game at Fratton Park.

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Nicolas Anelka’s hooked volley from Joe Cole’s chest down gave Chelsea the lead after a goalless first half.

Defoe levelled for Pompey just eight minutes later as he raced on to a Milan Baros flick and coolly slotted the ball past Petr Cech.

Noe Pamarot hit the post for the home side as Chelsea were denied a 10th successive victory.

Defoe replaced Benjani in Pompey’s attack with the Zimbabwean striker’s future still unresolved amid his on-off deadline-day move to Manchester City.

Portsmouth more than held their own against their visitors in the opening half with the impressive Lassana Diarra pulling the strings in midfield against his former club.

Neither side could gain the upper hand and both sets of players restricted to shots from distance, with Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda shooting well wide for Chelsea and Baros and Niko Kranjcar for the hosts.