Match Report: Chelsea 0 – Man City 0
Rafael Benitez’s first game at Stamford Bridge against Manchester City as the new Chelsea manager ended in a goalless draw.
Benitez faced genuine and sustained opposition from Chelsea supporters as they made clear their anger at the former Liverpool manager succeeding the popular Roberto Di Matteo.
There was only one change from the midweek game vs. Juventus with Fernando Torres restored to the starting line-up in place of Gary Cahill, who dropped to the bench.
In the early exchanges our key attackers lacked accuracy with their passing as the game settled into a rather flat pattern although Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and David Silva wasted headed opportunities to put their team ahead.
Both defences continued to be on top in the second half but we barely created a genuine opportunity until 60 minutes when Torres had the best chance.
The ball had sat up well for him inside the box following good interplay from Eden Hazard and Juan Mata but he fired a half-volley narrowly over the bar
In terms of opportunities created there was little else to report in a rather lacklustre performance although another positive point was a first clean sheet in 11 games.
The draw leaves Chelsea five points adrift of leaders Manchester United while City finish the weekend in second place after failing to make their domination of the play and scoring opportunities count.
Next fixture for the Blues is Wednesday at Stamford Bridge vs. Fulham.
Gill Reeves – CSG disabled rep.
Chelsea
- 01 Cech
- 02 Ivanovic
- 03 Cole
- 04 David Luiz
- 28 Azpilicueta
- 07 Ramires
- 10 Mata
- 11 Oscar
- 12 Mikel (Romeu – 79′ )
- 17 Hazard (Moses – 71′ )
- 09 Torres
Substitutes
- 22 Turnbull
- 19 Ferreira
- 24 Cahill
- 34 Bertrand
- 06 Romeu
- 13 Moses
- 21 Marin
Manchester City
- 01 Hart
- 04 Kompany
- 05 Zabaleta – Booked
- 13 Kolarov – Booked
- 33 Nastasic
- 07 Milner
- 18 Barry
- 21 Silva
- 42 Y Toure
- 10 Dzeko (Tevez – 69′ )
- 16 Aguero (Balotelli – 86′ – Booked )
Substitutes
- 30 Pantilimon
- 03 Maicon
- 28 K Toure
- 08 Nasri
- 14 Garcia
- 32 Tevez
- 45 Balotelli
Whilst I understand the depth of feeling about Benitez’s appointment, I simply cannot agree with the booing, for a number of reasons. Firstly, its done now – we are not going to change Roman’s mind, and therefore it is futile. If you want to moan about it, do it on the forums – the club moniter them and they will be well aware how unpopular the appointment is. Secondly, for me, paying about fifty nicker to go to a match, and then boo the people you hope are going to help you win the game, is the very definition of stupid. The booing sends negative vibes to the players as well as the manager and everyone else involved, and distracts the fans from singing songs supporting the team. Thirdly, it just gives the Chelsea hating media all the more ammunition to attack us and ridicule us in the press and allows them to perpetuate the image of a club in crises, chaos, turmoil etc. Do we really want that?
I suggest we continue to celebrate Robbie with applause and chants on the 16th minute of every game.
It is the only way I can think of to make our point to the owner.