Defoe strike denies Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka slotted Chelsea into a lead they did not deserve after 55 minutes but Defoe, who had a relatively quiet first half, came up with a route-one equaliser, staying onside to drill in fellow debutant Milan Baros's header from a long clearance by goalkeeper David James.

The roof came off as Defoe struck and Pompey fans had already forgotten about Benjani Mwaruwari, whose transfer to Manchester City remains up in the air.

Indeed, the ex-Tottenham ace could have buried Chelsea with three more chances before the finish.

Pompey more than held their own in midfield, although Michael Ballack headed just over from a corner early on and then beat James with another header only for Kranjcar to clear off the line.

Anelka, who had ploughed a lone furrow up front, could have hurt Portsmouth in added time at the end of the first half when Florent Malouda's perceptive pass set him up for a run on James, but the keeper stayed big to block the shot and Ashley Cole skied the rebound.

Chelsea struck with a classic breakaway in the 55th minute after Portsmouth had a penalty appeal waved away by Howard Webb.

In the blink of an eye, Florent Malouda was racing away down the left and when his perfect far-post cross was perfectly cushioned by Joe Cole's silky touch, Anelka was on hand to finish with clinical poise.

Home fans' mood was lightened within nine minutes when Defoe joyfully put away his chance.

It was direct stuff as James boomed a clearance downfield, Baros headed on and Defoe stayed just onside to devour the opportunity.