In pictures - Chelsea v Aston Villa

Here's a man who's forgotten how to smile in recent weeks: Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea's tormented manager. A 1-0 victory against Bolton on Wednesday has salved his wounds somewhat but with the Manchester sides occupying the top of the table, Ancelotti's men need another three points today. Villa, meanwhile, have also endured a dire run and currently sit just one point above the relegation places Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The early challenges are flying in from both sides. Here, Ashley Young gets airborne after being caught by John Terry Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Terry, the Chelsea captain, controls a long ball Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Chelsea's Michael Essien tries to wriggle between Nigel Reo-Coker and Emile Heskey ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Before getting chopped to the ground by Ciaran Clark in what is proving to be a tempestuous first half Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Frank Lampard gives Chelsea the lead in the 23rd minute when he converts a penalty after Florent Malouda is impeded in an aerial battle with James Collins. The Villa players weren't too happy about the decision – they felt Malouda was at fault Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Young (seen here battling with Essien) responds in kind in the 41st minute after Essien foolishly brought Reo-Coker to the ground inside the box Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Young sends his penalty high into the net to beat Cech, who goes the wrong way in any case Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Heskey and Paulo Ferreira battle for possession Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Lampard enjoys some freedom in the centre of the park Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Two minutes after the interval, Heskey heads Villa in front ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

It's rare sight indeed – only the Englishman's 14th goal in 70 appearances for Villa Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Stewart Downing tries an overhead shot at goal Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Ramires and Stiliyan Petrov both go up for a high ball Photograph: Tom Jenkins

In the 84th minute, and following sustained pressure, Villa's defence finally cracks. Didier Drogba is the scorer, collecting possession yards from goal and evading several desperate challanges to guide the ball home. Here, the Ivorian urges his team-mate Salomon Kalou, who doesn't look particularly thrilled, to help him pursue a winning goal
Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Drogba's urgency pays off. In the final minute of normal time, Brad Friedel makes an excellent save from the Chelsea striker's near-post header but the ball falls to Terry ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

... whose side-foot finish finds the net and triggers joyous celebrations. The players run up to their manager and Terry gives the Italian what looks like an affectionate head-butt. Still, Ancelotti seems delighted Photograph: Tom Jenkins

But Ancelotti's smile is soon erased as Clark nods Villa level in injury time Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Terry looks furious as the points slip from Chelsea's grasp Photograph: Tom Jenkins

But as Ashley Cole and, later, Drogba point out, it was his fault: Terry allowed Clark to run unmarked into the box. Not exactly the diligence you'd expect of the captain. So, 3-3 it ends and a point each – one that's far more welcome to the visitors Photograph: Tom Jenkins