STICK or bust. That's the conundrum facing Leeds United caretaker-manager Eddie Gray after Saturday's priceless 1-1 home draw against Premiership leaders Chelsea.

He stood by the five-man midfield system which harvested the previous week's win at Charlton and must now weigh up whether to adopt the same tactics against Fulham at Elland Road next Sunday.

Leeds were hardly adventurous against Chelsea but at least stuck to a solid game plan to work as a unit and frustrate the Stamford Bridge millionaires.

Fulham may not have the star names of their west London neighbours but have pulled off notable results on the road including a victory at Manchester United and a draw at Arsenal. The Cottagers' clash could be pivotal to United's season, but at least they have created a bit of a platform on which to build.

Saturday's game of paupers against princes showed that Leeds have the spirit for a relegation fight while Chelsea are not quite the finished article.

The Blues' passing was smooth and cultured, but was too often one-paced and they lacked a killer instinct in attack.

Leeds, led by a towering midfield tackling display by skipper Dominic Matteo, fed off scraps of possession but whetted the appetite by taking a 17th minute lead with a fine solo goal by Jermaine Pennant.

He robbed Claude Makelele on the edge of the box, went away from Wayne Bridge and across William Gallas before coolly finishing past Carlo Cudicini. It was the first goal Chelsea had conceded in nearly 12 hours of football.

Stephen McPhail, in for the injured David Batty, went close to making it 2-0 with a curling left-footer after being set up by Mark Viduka, who put in a hard-working shift as United's lone striker.

Claudio Ranieri's response was to bring on an extra forward - Hernan Creso - at half-time which enabled Damien Duff to revel in some extra space.

Chelsea totally dominated the second period and it was no surprise when Duff netted from close range after Paul Robinson did well to block Adrian Mutu's effort from close range.

Chelsea pressed for a winner, but United held on for the point which lifted them off the bottom of the Premiership table.

Match Facts:

FA Carling Premiership

Leeds United 1, Chelsea 1

(at Elland Road)

Leeds United: Robinson, Kelly, Duberry, Radebe, Matteo, Harte, Milner (Seith Johnson 64), McPhail (Domi 65) Pennant, Smith, Viduka. Subs not used: Carson, Morris, Bridges, Domi. Cautions: Smith, Radebe, Matteo. Goal: Pennant 17

Chelsea: Cudicini, Melchiot, Terry, Gallas, Bridge, Makelele, Cole (Crespo HT), Lampard, Duff, Mutu, Hasselbaink (Gronkjaer 68). Subs (not used): Sullivan, Desailly, Geremi. Caution: Mutu. Goal: Duff 68

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)

Attendance: 36,305

Updated: 10:34 Monday, December 08, 2003