Half-time: Stoke 0 Chelsea 0

Chelsea dominated a goalless first half but were unable to find a finish to match their fine build-up play.

Eden Hazard, restored to the starting line-up after impressing as a substitute in the midweek win over Dynamo Kiev, was the standout player in an entertaining first half and was involved in most of Chelsea’s best moments.

The Belgian combined with Willian to tee up Ramires for a shooting chance on the break and then showed neat skills on the left to put in a cross that just eluded Diego Costa.

He also had a dangerous shot blocked from a corner, but the best Blues chance fell to Ramires, whose brilliant 25-yard half-volley was tipped over by keeper Jack Butland.

Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri fired an acrobatic early effort over the bar and Jon Walters forced a smart low save from keeper Asmir Begovic.

Chelsea, missing manager Jose Mourinho because of his stadium ban, included Pedro alongside Willian and Hazard in an attacking midfield, meaning Cesc Fabregas and Oscar were left in the bench.