Chelsea have endured a frustrating opening 45 minutes against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo elected to begin the game with stars John Terry and Frank Lampard on the substitutes' bench.

The Italian may be regretting that decision, as his team's performance has been very flat so far.

Surprisingly, it has been the visitors that have come the closest to breaking the deadlock.

Jonathan Walters struck the crossbar on 19 minutes with close-range header following a Glenn Whelan free kick.

Fernando Torres then had a good chance to put the European champions ahead, but he completely missed the ball after being put through by Juan Mata.

Written by
Robert Summerscales