Luiz Felipe Scolari's team would have gone back to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a victory after Liverpool only drew with Hull yesterday, but again dropped points at home.

Craig Bellamy gave the Hammers - managed by former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco Zola - a first-half lead but Nicolas Anelka equalised six minutes after half-time with his 100th Premier League goal.

Former Chelsea midfielder Parker told Sky Sports: "We went a goal up early on and we expected to be put under pressure but we were solid and put in a good shift. I think we deserved a point.

"I think we can push on from here and climb the table."

Chelsea had a strong appeal for a late penalty turned down when Lucas Neill appeared to foul Frank Lampard, and the Hammers defender admitted he had caught the Blues midfielder.

"Yes there was contact but I don't think I could have got out of the way. I think the ref did really well," he said.

Neill was frustrated the visitors could not hang on to their lead for longer.

"As always we shot ourselves in the foot," he added.

Hammers boss Zola was overwhelmed by the reception given to him by the home fans on his return to Stamford Bridge.

He told Sky Sports: "The first 10-15 minutes I couldn't understand what was going on, the crowd was singing my name. It's fantastic to see they don't forget you. It was unbelievable."

Persistent rumours suggest West Ham's financial situation will force Zola's hand when the transfer window opens, but he added: "The club is not in a financial crisis, they (club bosses) assured me we're not going to be selling our best players.

"I'm very happy with the players I'm working with and if we are able to sell some players who are not playing every week there may be the possibility to spend money on other players."

The Italian was delighted with his team's reaction following the disappointing defeat to Tottenham last Monday.

"My team was excellent, they really played well," Zola added. "At one point I was thinking maybe we could get something more but it was a tough match.

"We know it's not a great time for us but we are confident and we believe in ourselves. We want to go out and show what we can do. The way we did it today was the right way."

Scolari was at a loss to explain his side's continuing troubles at home, particularly in front of goal.

He said: "It was a difficult game for us, we had more time with the ball but we scored only one goal and I think if we have more quality in the last (third) we win this game.

"When we play here it's different than the way we play away, we have more space away. Maybe we are now thinking 'this is not our home' and we're not scoring goals and I don't know what happens."

Scolari again started with Didier Drogba on the bench and Anelka up front on his own, and the Portuguese indicated he would be reluctant to pair them from the start on a regular basis.

"It's dangerous for both sides," he added on Sky Sports. "Because I lose my midfield. I need them training many times more together."