Half-Time Report: Shrewsbury frustrating below-par Chelsea

Chelsea have been unable to take control in a goalless 45 minutes against Shrewsbury Town in the fourth round of the League Cup.

Shrewsbury came close to taking an early lead when Nathaniel Knight-Percival found the space at the back post to meet a corner with a firm header, but Petr Cech responded well to push the ball to safety.

An impressive start from the hosts made it difficult for Chelsea, who struggled in the final third of the pitch early on as both Andre Schurrle and Mohamed Salah hit disappointing efforts past the post.

A Chelsea counter-attack should have produced the first goal just after the half-hour mark, but Schurrle appeared to be caught in two minds as he wasted the chance to head towards goal from Salah's inviting pass to the back post and allowed Shrewsbury to clear the danger.

Despite enjoying more of the possession in the latter stages of the first half, Chelsea continued to lack a cutting edge, which offered the home supporters encouragement heading into the break.