A header from Marcel Desailly gave Chelsea a last-minute victory in a dramatic London derby at White Hart Lane.

A controversial penalty decision, a red card shown to Frank Lampard for lashing out at Chris Perry and two goals in the last 10 minutes left fans breathless.

Teddy Sheringham's 100th Premiership goal in the last minute of normal time looked to have earned Spurs a draw after Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink had converted a hotly-contested spot-kick.

That was Hasselbaink's second of the match after he had opened the scoring in the first-half.

And it was Sheringham who had hit the first equaliser as Spurs desperately tried to end their abysmal recent record against Chelsea.

Tottenham have now failed to register a win against the Blues in the Premiership in 19 attempts.

Yet it had started well for the home side, who enjoyed the majority of the early possession.

But Tottenham's initial reluctance to support their forward line in sufficient numbers left Les Ferdinand isolated and in turn rendered the attack impotent.

Gradually, Christian Ziege's forays into Chelsea's territory began to provide some impetus for Spurs to provide a greater threat.

Ferdinand went close with a glanced header, connecting with a precisely delivered cross from the German.

And Darren Anderton struck a fierce drive from 25 yards which Ed de Goey did well to hold.

However, Ziege's contribution became less effective as Chelsea administered a tactical switch to stifle the defender's offensive fluidity and expose his defensive deficiencies.

Jesper Gronkjaer was soon causing problems after swapping flanks with Boudewijn Zenden.

And Chelsea's sharper passing began to create opportunities for the visitors.

Chris Perry was fortunate not to concede a penalty, and later afforded himself a wry smile, when it appeared he handled to prevent Hasselbaink a clear run on goal.

But just before the break Hasselbaink scored with a header at the back post from Frank Lampard's cross back from the byline after the midfielder had rounded Neil Sullivan.

A change of formation paid dividends for Spurs, who were forced to reorganise following Bunjecevic's withdrawal through injury.

A conventional 4-4-2 line-up seemed to suit the players and soon Sheringham had put his side level.

The Spurs skipper was initially thwarted by De Goey but dispatched the rebound to restore parity.

But if a draw looked likely at that point, the complexion of the match was set to alter radically.

First came Hasselbaink's penalty after referee Steve Dunn ruled Ledley King had brought the Dutchman down.

Spurs players protested furiously what they thought was a harsh decision.

Then Sheringham's strike seemed to have secured Spurs a share of the points only for Desailly to settle things.