Andre Villas- Boas GQ style and football IQ did not impress Stoke
One of the most anticipated coaching debut's this season ended on a disappointing note as Andre Villas- Boas a one time Mourinho protege could not get his side to crack open Stoke's doughty defense.
Chelsea began with Fernando Torres declared match fit after surviving a concussion scare in the match against Italy but despite the striker looking lively, he and Salomon Kalou were unable to finish.
Frank Lampard thought he had a penalty after being tripped by Ryan Shawcross but referee Mark Halsey detected an embellishment. Villas- Boas then brought in the heavy artillery with Nicholas Anelka and Didier Drogba partnering Torres in a trident formation to take control of the game but Asmir Begovic was able to thwart their efforts.
Stoke earn a fully deserved point while Chelsea looking distinctly uncreative relied on the individual efforts of their stars. AVB was lucky to have the services of Fredy Guarin at Porto whose eye for a quick pass and pinpoint crosses found his Colombian counterpart Radamel Falcao on numerous occasions for a successful partnership. That sort of association is missing at Chelsea.
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