So the opening match of Villas-Boas's tenure ended in a 0-0 at the Britannia Stadium. An away draw is never a bad result at Stoke, and I'm sure many a Chelsea fan would've taken that result before the game.
The first half was a bit of drab affair, with neither team particularly threatening in the first half although there were early opportunities for Jose Bosingwa with a cross come shot and Fernando Torres with a 20 yard shot that went wide of the target. Stoke were probably the better team in the first half and kept Chelsea's defence alert with their usual long balls and throws aimed at the head of Jones, which Alex and Terry did brilliantly to deal with. Stoke's defence were looking less assured than Chelsea's and Ramires almost got the opener when he tore through three Stoke defenders only to put his shot well past Begovic's Post.
At the start of the second half Chelsea had much more attacking imputes, with Villas-Boas's words of encouragement obviously inspiring the team to get on the front foot and attack the Stoke defence. This tactic started to produce results, in the form of 3 big penalty shouts. The first on Fernando Torres, when Shawcross took him down on the edge of the area, but referee Mark Halsey didn't feel that it was a penalty and the Chelsea players were left disappointed. The second shout again came from Torres after a ball fell to him from a corner he went down after fluffing his shot under pressure from Jonathan Woodgate, this one more straight forward for the Ref and again wasn't given. The third, and arguably the biggest shout for a penalty came when the ball fell for Lampard inside the box after Torres was dispossessed, he took a touch past Marc Wilson and was subsequently tripped by him. Halsey was in perfect position for this one, and there have been lots of questions raised after the game about this decision. Moments after this, Mikel almost made all Chelsea fan's jaws hit the floor when he forced Begovic to tip the ball over with a 30 yard volley. Anelka then came on for Malouda, and proceeded to force Begovic to tip his rising shot onto the bar. Salomon Kalou came close with a header from a Torres cross, but he should've scored and many other strikers would've buried it. Stoke defended well for the last 10 minutes and the only close moment was when a Drogba free kick was easily saved by Begovic.
Stars of the Match
Fernando Torres - The under pressure striker justified his selection ahead of Didier Drogba with an outstanding display that was reminiscent of his Liverpool days, creating chances for himself and everyone else at all opportunities. If he continues in this form throughout the season, he should get himself a lot of goals.
Asmir Begovic - The Bosnian proved why he was selected as number 1 ahead of Sorensen, being influential throughout. Got the team a point with brilliant saves from Mikel, Drogba and Kalou.
Ramires - The Brazilian kept up his great performances from the second half of last season with another great showing here, running a lot of the game with quick passes, bursts of pace and winning the ball back at important points
Jonathan Woodgate - A good premier league debut for the defender, showing that when fit, he is one of the best performers in the league. Managed to block out a lot of Chelsea attack's keeping the visitors at bay for long periods of the game. Stoke fans will be hoping he can stay fit for the season.
Alex - Another Brazilian, Alex performed brilliantly under the pressure of the Stoke long ball, Dominating Jones in the air and being very calm when on the ball. Chelsea would be mad to sell him, and I'm sure they won't
Flops of the Match
Kenwyne Jones - A lot of the aerial play that Stoke use hinges on the prowess of Jones in the air, either playing players through or scoring himself. Dominated in the air by Alex and Terry today prevented him from a having much of an effect on the match.
Salomon Kalou - Very sluggish, with passes going astray, lacking in the pace that he usually has. Had a great chance to open the scoring with a headed opportunity from a Torres cross, but his header lacked power and placement. Sturridge's suspension can't end sooner.
Marc Wilson - Played at left back again like last season, he was walked all over by Bosingwa and others. Very lucky to get away with the penalty shout on Lampard, and had very little going forward.
Florent Malouda - Unlike the French winger, who has been consistent for us in recent seasons, he was very poor with his passes, and he lacked the ability to get past Robert Huth on multiple occasions. Highlighted the teams need for a winger.
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