JOIN USDrogba came as a second-half substitute and scored his team's equaliser but he fluffed the chance to secure a dramatic victory when his weak spot-kick was saved by Heurelho Gomes.
The Spurs goalkeeper had been at fault for Chelsea's goal, allowing Drogba's shot to squirm through his grasp, and he gave away the penalty with a clumsy foul on Ramires.
Chelsea, on 31 points, have taken only six from their last seven matches but are still only one behind leaders Arsenal and Manchester City and level with Manchester United, who host Arsenal on Monday in one of their two games in hand on the champions.
Spurs are fifth on 27 with Bolton Wanderers up to sixth on 26 after they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 earlier on Sunday.
Spurs went ahead after 15 minutes when Jermain Defoe picked out Roman Pavlyuchenko on the edge of the box with little obvious danger.
However, the Russian's first touch took him clear of two defenders and he planted a low shot beyond Petr Cech.
Spurs centre back Michael Dawson was at fault for the equaliser. Drogba beat him to a long Cech clearance and was quicker to turn on to the loose ball.
Chelsea pressed hard for the winner, bringing on England midfielder Frank Lampard for his first appearance since August, and were presented with the perfect opportunity when Gomes felled Ramires.
Lampard, Chelsea's usual penalty-taker, picked up the ball first but handed it to Drogba, only for the striker to shoot at the ideal height for Gomes to save.