Rafael Benitez failed to get off to a winning start as Chelsea manager this afternoon.
However, the Spaniard saw his side compete against Premier League champions Manchester City and hold them to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Here, Sports Mole looks back over the action to determine if either team can argue that they did enough to claim maximum points in London.
Match statistics:
Chelsea:
Shots 5
On target 1
Possession 46%
Corners 6
Fouls 9
Man City:
Shots 11
On target 7
Possession 54%
Corners 11
Fouls 16
Was the result fair?
Weighing everything up, neither team could put up a valid case for saying that they should have won the match. Visiting City dominated most of the first half, but didn't create too much. Chelsea came into the match in the second half, but like City, didn't really carve out many opportunities. It was a game where defences were on top.
Chelsea's performance
The atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge appeared to stun the Chelsea players at the start of the match. The support for Roberto Di Matteo and the jeers for Benitez didn't really help anyone. They were much more assured in the second half though and kept the ball much better. Having conceded a number of goals recently, a clean sheet will have been pleasing.
Man City's performance
In truth they never looked like losing this encounter but at the same time they were a little toothless in attack. The selection of Edin Dzeko raised a few eyebrows prior to the match and the Bosnian failed to repay his manager's faith. They lacked the movement of Tevez in the final third.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Pablo Zabaleta: Not only did the Man City player carry out his defensive duties with minimal fuss, but at times he looked to be their best attacker! Zabaleta has become one of the most consistent right-backs in the Premier League this season.
Biggest gaffe
In a match of very few chances, Sergio Aguero wasted the best for City. Despite having time and space six yards from goal, the Argentine headed straight at Petr Cech when it looked an easy finish.
Referee performance
Sometimes these matches see the tackles fly in and as a result the referee is extremely busy. That wasn't the case for Chris Foy today though. He had a quiet game thanks to both sets of players.
What next?
Chelsea: Benitez has another home encounter on Wednesday as London rivals Fulham travel to Stamford Bridge.
Man City: The champions are on the road again on Wednesday night when they make the short trip to Wigan Athletic's DW Stadium.
Liam Apicella
