Half-Time Report: Stubborn Crystal Palace frustrating Chelsea

Crystal Palace held Chelsea to a goalless half-time draw at Stamford Bridge in a spirited opening 45 minutes from the visitors.

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The Premier League champions, fresh from a first win of the season at West Bromwich Albion last week, toiled in the first quarter against a resolute Palace defence.

However, Pedro, who marked his debut with a goal at The Hawthorns, was very nearly on target again as he curled just wide of the post on 19 minutes.

At the other end, another summer signing in the form of Bakary Sako proved the Eagles' most promising outlet, as the winger cut inside Branislav Ivanovic before forcing Thibaut Courtois into a smart save.

On the day of his 100th Premier League game at Stamford Bridge, it became clear that the hosts would need to improve in order to help manager Jose Mourinho mark his century in winning fashion as the visitors continued to hold their own.

However, they almost broke Palace's resistance in the closing stages of the half, as Alex McCarthy denied Pedro from a rebound moments after spilling Cesc Fabregas's effort.

Follow the second half with Sports Mole's live commentary here.