Chelsea missed the chance to close to within four points of leaders Manchester United as they were held to a goalless draw on Tuesday at Aston Villa.
Frank Lampard missed a golden chance in injury time to give the champions a victory, and Villa held on for a point — their second draw with Chelsea this season.
The result leaves Chelsea six points off the pace.
In the other Tuesday game, Thierry Henry made his comeback after five weeks out through injury, as Arsenal crushed 10-man Charlton Athletic 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Osei Sankofa was sent off inside the first half hour for a foul on Robin van Persie, and Henry scored the resulting penalty.
The Frenchman had a hand in the second goal for Justin Hoyte, and Van Persie scored the other two — the first from the spot — to lift Arsenal above Bolton into fourth on goal difference. — Sapa-dpa