Daniel Sturridge's equaliser has earned Chelsea a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

The hosts took an early lead when Emmanuel Adebayor met Gareth Bale's cross to slot home in the seventh minute.

Chelsea could have equalised almost instantly, but Sturridge blasted over from close range after Brad Friedel had spilled Juan Mata's shot.

Sturridge made no mistake on 23 minutes when he tapped in Ashley Cole's cross to level the scores. However, there was a suspicion of handball by Cole in the build-up.

In an end-to-end second half the visitors could have gone ahead, but Friedel smothered Ramires's shot, while Adebayor's goal was ruled out for Spurs on the hour when William Gallas was adjudged to have fouled Jose Bosingwa.

Sandro's header from Luka Modric's corner flashed agonisingly wide for the hosts before Mata's effort crept narrowly wide at the other end.

Bale had an opportunity to put the home side ahead in the final ten minutes, but his snatched shot flew high and wide.

With Spurs increasing the pressure, Sandro drew a fine save from Petr Cech when his chipped effort looked to be going in.

Moments later Gallas somehow missed the target when he met Bale's cross at the near post.

The best chance of the final stages fell to Ramires whose free header from six yards was put wide following Mata's whipped free kick.

There was still time for drama as Adebayor was put through by Bale, but his shot was blocked on the line by John Terry.

The result has kept Spurs third in the Premier League table, while Chelsea remain fourth.